I 


y 

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presented  to  the 
UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
SAN  DIEGO 

by 

JUDGE  J.M.  CARTER 


I  c  A**** ****** 


Digitized  by  tlie  Internet  Arcliive 

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^iood^ 


THE 


OF  THB 


BY 


JULIETTE    T.    BURTON. 


NEW     YORK 
MACOY    PUBLISHING   and  MASONIC    SUPPLY   Co. 
1803 


I  aeeordlnK  to  Aet  of  Congresi,  in  the  year  U71.  by 
MASONIC    PDBLISHING   COMPAJfY, 
Ib  tlia  Office  of  the  Lftmriap  of  CongreM,  at  tf  uTiritoK 


DEDICATION. 


I  AFFECTIONATELY  DEDICATE  THIS  BOOK 

TO  THB 

SISTERS    OF    THE    EASTERN    STAR 

TRCSTINa  THAT  BACH  OKB    MAT  TUfD 

PROFITABLE      RECREATION 

FBOX  A  PIBUBAI.  or  ITS  PASW. 


fref; 


ace* 


|RUE  merit  speaks  for  itself;  it  is  useless  to  eulo- 
gize that  which  does  not  really  bear  intrinsic 
worth,  for  whatever  is  flimsy,  trashy,  or  un- 
stable, will,  of  itself,  fall  to  pieces,  despite  all  the 
praise  that  may  be  heaped  around. 

When  one  writes,  if  there  is  ori;^inalify,  it  r*L 
at  once  strike  the  critical  reader ;  if  there  is  a  rea- 
sonable basis,  it  will  be  seen  ;  and  if  things  are  said  which  stir 
the  fountains  of  feeling,  they  will  be  appreciated  to  their  full 
value. 

We  agree  that  when  a  woman  writer  puts  finis  to  manu- 
script, and  gives  it  over  to  her  publisher,  she  experiences  some- 
what the  feelings  of  a  mother  whose  daughter  has  just  been 
maiTied ;  she  believes  in  the  virtues  of  her  child,  but  is  fearful 
that  another  may  not  perceive  them,  and  not  until  after  the 
first  issue  does  she  feel  certain  that  the  shoals  of  disappointment 
are  safely  passed. 

We  shall,  in  some  of  the  succeeding  sketches,  take  up  the 
general  routes  which  have  been  well  trod  by  previous  writers, 
shall  borrow  the  same  strain  that  has  been  sung,  but  perhaps 


8  ^i^efax3e. 

by  some  peculiarity  of  style,  and  through  different  authority 
than  has  been  heretofore  referred  to,  we  may  be  able  to  stop  at 
villas,  to  drink  of  fountains,  traverse  romantic  patlis  that  others 
had  not  discovered,  and  in  our  relations  present  other  curious 
features  to  our  readers. 

Plain  matter-of-fact  relations  of  incident  in  biographies  seldom 
please ;  romance  m.'ust  gild  a  tale  to  make  it  agreeable.  Without 
romance  all  creations  would  be  dull ;  man  would  be  a  bai-barian, 
woman  a  nonentity ;  wisdom,  genius,  liberty,  would  be  indiffer- 
ently regarded,  and  the  very  heavens,  even,  would  seem  dim. 

It  was  under  a  romantic  guise  tliat  Christ  was  born  and 
walked  the  earth;  he  taught  by  parables,  and  mellow  prose 
poems  were  his  familiar  speech ;  his  life  and  martyrdom  were 
typified  by  symbols,  and  even  the  advent  of  the  Spirit  in  form 
of  a  dove  was  more  novel  and  attractive  than  any  usual  mode 
of  communicating  would  have  been.  Mythology,  the  exquisite- 
ness  of  romance,  by  its  peculiar  presentation  of  truth  and  virtue, 
founded  the  divine  institution  of  Freemasonry.  The  whole 
stream  of  sentient  existence  has  its  spring-time  of  romance,  and 
old  age  does  not  forget  it 

High  coloring  cannot  Creole  merit,  but  may  surround  it,  and 
attract  attention  to  modest  worth  which  might  otherwise  never 
be  brought  forward  to  the  observation  of  the  best.  "We  hope 
that  the  true  lustre  of  our  Five  Jewels  may  shine  into  the  hearts 
of  all  who  love  virtue,  and  that  the  Sisters  of  the  Eastern  Star 
especially  may  find  traits  of  excellence,  worthily  depicted,  in 
their  histories. 


iOE^eri'ts* 


I-AGB 

Preface  7 

Prelude     9 

Ode  to  the  Eastern  Star    ....        13 

The  Turquoise — Adah 17 

The  Topaz — Ruth 61 

The  Diamond— Esther 101 

The  Emerald — Martha         ....      157 
The  Eubz— Electa 197 


fUustrations* 


Fbontispiece — Eastern  HospirALrry 

The  Turquoise  before  Jephthah 

Jephthah   and    his    Companions    returninq 
FROM  A  Marauding  Expedition  . 

The  Topaz  in  the  Field  of  Boaz 

The  Diamond  before  King  Ahasuerus    . 

MORDECAI  at  the   PaIACE   GaTE      . 

The  Man  whom  the  King  Delighteth   to 
Honor 

The  Emerald  and  Mart  before  Christ 


TABM 

2 
16 


23 

60 

100 

132 

147 
156 


The  Eubt — An  Assembly  of   the  Follow- 
ers OF  Christ 196 


Frelu^e* 


Ah  !  tliis  earth  would  be  cold  if  the  blush  of  romance 

Was  chased  from  its  surface  entire, 
If  the  pulse  of  man's  mind  could  no  longer  enhance 

The  tone  of  life's  every-day  lyre. 

If  the  ideal  veil  should  be  suddenly  lift, 

To  leave  the  nude  object  bereft 
Of  the  numerous  graces  of  drapery's  gift, 

But  half  of  its  beauty 'd  be  left 


Should  the  magical  stream  of  romance  never  lave, 

The  root  of  the  cherished  "  Roof- Tree," 
There  would  never  hang  garlands  of  fame  for  the  brave, 

And  the  "mistletoe  bough"  wouldn't  be. 


lo  'J^v^XuAe. 

Should  woman  divorce  from  her  pathway  this  ray. 
Where  the  roses  axe — ^might  come  the  thorn ; 

And  the  blisses  that  now  into  man's  bosom  pay, 
Might  have  in  their  stead — hope  forlorn. 

"lis  the  sorcerer's  wand  that  most  cunningly  gilds 

Existence's  rough  places  o'er; 
The  prose-ground  enchanted,  where  poesy  builds 

Its  love-lighted  halls  evermore. 

*Tis  the  panacea  mixed  with  stem  duty's  demand 

That  sweetens  the  gall  in  each  cup; 
And  chained  to  the  clod  would  our  hopes  ever  stand. 

If  its  light  wing  ne'er  lifted  them  up. 

When  Youth  from  Life's  volume  by  Time  has  been  chased. 

And  senility  opens  its  page, 
*Tis  the  pencil  by  which  every  record  is  traced 

That  brings  joy  to  the  eye  of  old  age. 

JULIKTTK    T.  BUBTOW. 


TV  HEN  the  scene  of  life  changes  from  pleasure  to  gloom. 
And  the  soul  sees  its  midnight  uncheered  by  a  ray ; 
When  the  spirit  droops  low  'neath  the  weight  of  its  doom. 
As  the  hopes  that  once  lighted  its  halls  die  away ; 
Then  there  shines  through  the  windows  of  heaven  afar 
Bright  gleams  that  bring  peace  from  a  beautiful  Star, 
The  Star  of  the  East,  that  most  beautiful  Star. 

When  the  willows  are  waving  o'er  graves  wherein  lie 
The  first-born  of  mothers,  whose  tears  will  not  dry; 
Or  the  widow  bends  crushed  with  the  blight  of  despair 
All  the  comfort  departed  that  made  life  so  fair ; 
Then  there  comes  through  the  vista  of  sorrow  afar. 
For  the  cheerless  a  light  from  a  beautiful  Star, 
The  Star  of  the  East,  that  most  beautiful  Star. 

May  harmony  bring  in  its  circle  of  light 
All  the  colors  that  make  up  a  halo  as  bright 
As  charity,  patience,  long-suffering,  and  love. 
Can  catch  from  reflection  of  Jewels  above. 
Which  shine  through  celestial  gates  set  ajar ; 
In  blessing  and  peace  ou  our  beautiful  Star. 

JULIKTTK  T.  BdRTOH. 


I. 


^l^e  turquoise, 

ADAH. 

"  She  was  his  only  child ;  besides  her  he  had  neither  son  nor 
daughter." 

|HESE  words  at  once  suggest  a  volume 
of  possibilities,  anfold  a  sacred 
page,  indite  a  tender  strain,  and  draw  a 
holy  picture.  Man's  nature,  corrugated 
to  suit  his  sphere  of  practical  contact 
with  discordant  or  opposing  elements, 
has,  reserved,  beneath  those  hard  rinds,  a  sweet  sap 
of  sentiment  for  the  tenderer  handling  of  woman ; 
a  secret,  interior,  accordant  instrument  of  the  soul, 
his  heart  of  hearts,  which  but  a  few,  in  any  man's 
lifetime,  may  play  upon. 


i8       y.iuc  J- cwels  txi  the  ^vimii. 


There  are  mere  surfaces  of  feeling  which  graduate 
fiom  the  positively  stem,  and  these  may  be  caught 
by  occasional  passions  and  mellowed  for  the  mo- 
ment, but,  like  tracks  in  the  sand,  they  pass  away. 
Not  so  with  this  inner  music;  its  strains,  once 
awoke,  can  never  cease  vibration,  and  will  be  sacred 
to  one  master-hand  alone.  That  master-hand  may 
not  always  know  its  capabilities  to  torture  or  to 
soothe.  Happy,  thrice  happy,  the  man  who  has  for 
his  genius  one  who  will  not  awaken  weird,  wild 
notes  of  distortion,  but  who  will  woo  the  tenderest 
pathos  of  enjoyment. 

Jephthah,  the  hunter,  the  judge,  the  mighty  man 
of  valor,  before  whom  none  stood  in  point  of  execu- 
tive force  of  will,  whose  brawny  figure  might  be 
likened  to  the  mountain-side — for  his  thews  and 
sinews  stood  out  like  roots ;  his  grizzly  beard  tossed 
about  by  his  motions  looked  like  vines  swayed  by 
the  wind ;  his  eyes  were  brilliant  as  the  sun's  rays 
reflected  from  granite ;  and  his  voice  was  loud  like 
the  roar  of  the  cataract — Jephthah,  the  iron  man, 
had  yet,  beneath  all  this  exterior  hardness,  the  clear 
running  fountain  of  paternal  love,  which  could  be 


Jplhe  l^.uv,iiumse — ,.^dah.         19 


played  in  every  variation  of  delight  by  the  magic 
touch  of  his  only  child — a  daughter. 

Of  all  states  of  perfection  to  which  a  woman  may 
aspire,  none  is  more  divine  than  that  of  filial  devo- 
tion. In  the  truly  amiable  daughter  may  be  found 
the  germs  of  all  other  fitness;  sister,  wife,  and 
mother  are  born  out  of  a  good  daughter,  and  man 
need  never  fear  to  choose  for  wife  the  woman  who 
has  nobly  sustained  that  relation.  In  the  Bible  his- 
tory, singularly  enough,  there  is  no  personal  appel- 
lative signified  to  the  heroine  of  so  much  tragical 
romance.  She  is  called  throughout  simply  "  Jeph- 
thah's  daughter."  Modern  associations  attach  to 
their  symbolical  representations  of  this  character 
the  name  of  Adah,  whose  poetical  definition  is 
"  powerful  perfume,  or  strength  and  sweetness,"  and 
we  will  occasionally,  for  the  sake  of  clearness,  call 
Jephthah's  daughter,  Adah. 

She  was  of  the  fairness  of  the  moon,  the  bright- 
ness of  the  stars,  and  the  goodness  of  the  summer 
dews,  to  use  oriental  descriptiveness ;  in  less  equiv- 
ocal terms,  we  might  draw  her  picture,  and  for  a 
p.rfect  portrait  refer  all  to  Dore's  most  exquisite 


20      IBlitre  J^eweU  xif  iha  ^Vix^nt 


painting  of  "  Jephthali's  daughter  and  the  maidens, 
on  the  mountain  bewailing  her  sad  fate."  No  honri 
of  Arabic  celebrity,  or  peri  of  oriental  verse,  was 
ever  more  beautiful  in  form  and  feature :  the  lus- 
ciousness  of  perfect  proportion,  with  the  rich  tints 
of  high  color,  made  her  surpassingly  attractive  in 
mere  physique,  while  the  sovl,  that  was  fitted  to  the 
very  highest  tone  of  moral  and  virtuous  principle, 
reflected  through  her  countenance  its  marvellous 
finish,  glorifying  the  Jlesh  into  a  spiritual  love- 
liness. Her  mind  was  cultivated;  for  from  all  of 
the  barbaric  or  heathenish  ages  there  have  been 
handed  down  to  us  records  of  the  educational  rules 
of  the  period ;  and  whether  or  not  it  lay  in  the  same 
line  of  orthography  with  modern  schools,  it  was  suf- 
ficient to  enlighten  the  pupil  up  to  its  own  period. 

She  was  a  skillful  housewife.  From  her  infancy 
she  had  had  no  mother,  and  had  stood  at  the  head 
of  her  father's  household.  The  women  of  that  day 
were  skilled  in  knitting,  weaving,  and  embroidering 
dexterously,  the  most  cunning  articles  of  exquisite 
design  and  finish ;  and  although  the  most  patrician 
dame,  as  well  as  the  plebeian  maid,  took  part  in 


Jplhe  Jplui:qu0i8t5 — j^dah.         21 


servile  work  when  the  occasion  became  imperative, 
yet  the  hands  of  Adah  showed  no  signs  of  rough 
occupation ;  they  were  fair  and  stainless,  and  were 
well  adapted  to  silk  embroidery.  Women  dyed 
beautiful  colors ;  and  some  of  the  most  enterprising 
were  engaged  in  trade, — dealt  in  purple  dye-stuffs 
alone.  These  dyes  were  to  be  had,  after  much  peril 
and  cost,  from  foreign  lands.  Woman  was  a  trader, 
and  engaged  in  ordinary  merchandise  then,  as  well 
as  now,  as  in  the  book  of  Proverbs  may  be  found 
the  words :  "  She  maketh  fine  linen,  and  selleth  it, 
and  delivereth  it  to  her  merchant."  Before  the  time 
that  Adah  became  old  enough  to  realize  the  need 
of  a  mother's  tender  training,  she  was  depriyed  of 
that  mother,  and  afterward  was  grieved  sorely  and 
painfully  at  the  oft-repeated  absences  of  her  father 
from  home. 

Many  and  painful  were  the  periods  of  separation 
from  her  sole  guardian  and  friend,  for  his  habits  as 
hunter,  and  afterward  as  general  of  a  great  army, 
subjected  him  to  innumerable  perils,  of  which  the 
quick  perception  and  keen  affection  of  Adah  always 
apprized  her.     His  love  was  to  her  all  thai  made 


2  2       'Jl^yive  ^ew^ls  ^t  the  <^ii{i^nt. 


the  skies  seem  bright ;  an  assurance  of  his  personal 
safety  was  essential  to  her  happiness.  Often,  when 
in  company  with  men  of  roving  habits,  v/ild  rangers 
of  the  borders,  spoilers  and  banditti,  he  would  call 
for  his  black  steed ;  which,  like  his  master,  "  scented 
the  battle  afar,"  and  was  anxious  to  be  gone.  Adah 
would  on  those  occasions  fasten  his  war-harness 
around  him  :  her  delicate  hands  buckled  the  armor, 
while  her  white  teeth  gleamed  from  between  lips 
which  parted  in  smiles,  yet  which  only  smiled  to 
hide  the  tears  that  were  crowding  to  her  eyes,  yet 
these,  as  a  soldier's  daughter,  she  heroically  com- 
manded to  stay.  She  longed  for  the  days  of  warfare 
and  violence  to  cease,  and  prayed  from  a  heart  of 
piety — emotive  prayer.  Constitutional,  spontaneous 
devotion  was  her  habit.  Prayer  not  left  to  grow 
stagnant,  and  only  to  burst  out  on  some  great  occa- 
sion into  jets  of  sensibility,  but  which  arose  with 
the  morning  sun,  and  only  ceased  when  sleep  settled 
upon  her.  To  pray  was  to  her  a  necessity  :  to 
whom  could  she  tell  the  terrible  ^,nxieties  which  her 
filial  affection,  in  the  exigencies  of  her  father's 
peculiar  life,  induced  ?     To  the  Lord  God  of  Israel, 


Jplhc  IplurquoisB— ,^dah.         23 


she  looked  for  consolation ;  from  Him  alone  might 
any  comfort  come.  Many  a  time  Adah  gazed  up 
at  the  stars  which  shine  so  directl}'  down  from  the 
cloudless  azure-tinted  heavens  of  the  Orient,  and 
tried,  by  invocation,  to  penetrate  the  veil  that  cur- 
tained between  her  and  the  Divinity.  Devout  joy 
was  native  to  her  temperament,  and  was  height- 
ened by  the  sweet  entertainment  she  gave  it.  By 
giving  the  history,  cursorily,  of  Jephthah,  we  may 
with  more  facility  glide  into  the  drama  of  Adah's 
subsequent  story. 

Jephthah,  it  is  stated,  was  an  illegitimate  son  of 
Gilead,  whose  wife  had  other  sons.  These  sons  were 
enraged  and  jealous  at  Jephtliah's  sharing  with  them 
their  patrimonial  rights ;  and  when  they  grew  up 
they  forcibly  expelled  him  from  their  premises. 

In  his  exile,  being  too  proud  to  dig,  or  beg, 
he  conceived  a  taste  for  the  sword,  and  joined 
to  himself  men  of  lascivious  habits,  extravagant, 
reckless,  who  by  their  own  extravagance  were 
reduced  to  poverty;  and  with  such  he  marauded 
the  borders.  By  his  intrepidity,  and  wonderful 
prowess    in    arms,    Jephthah    soon    gained    hign 


24      "WM^  Jr^v^tis  ixi  the  ^vi^nt 


renown  for  bravery,  strategy,  and  success ;  and  when 
Israel  was  very  sorely  distressed  by  the  Ammon- 
ites, and  when  they  found  themselves  incompetent 
to  organize  their  numbers  into  military  order,  and 
they  could  not  find  among  them  a  leader,  the  elders 
assembled  and  unanimously  declared  Jephthah  the 
nominee  for  general-in- chief  of  their  armies.  It 
seems  that  this  was  a  sore  reflection  upon  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  and  proves  that  it  must  have  been 
through  disobedience  and  alienation  from  the  laws 
of  their  religion,  that  they  were  now  reduced  to  such 
a  necessity  as  that  of  calling  upon  one  who  was  by 
Jewish  law  not  fit  for  the  place ;  for,  "  He  who  was 
the  son  of  a  harlot  might  in  no  wise  rule  among 
them." 

But  necessity  overcomes  many  scruples,  and  the 
elders  themselves  made  most  flattering  concessions 
to  Jephthah,  hoping  to  gain  his  consent ;  and  they 
said  to  him,  "  Come,  and  be  our  captain."  They 
tried  to  flatter  him  with  allusions  to  his  martial 
genius,  their  conviction  of  his  bravery,  and  used 
every  inducement  to  influence  him  to  become  their 
leader,    Jephthah  would  not  at  first  be  prevailed 


Jplhe  Kurqttaise — .^dah.         25 


upon  to  accept  command  of  the  army,  urging  as  ob- 
jection that  some  of  his  brothers  who  had  persecuted 
him  were  among  the  elders.  So  far  is  the  prejudice 
of  man  sometimes  carried,  that  no  prospect  of  per- 
sonal aggrandizement  is  sufficient  to  wipe  off  wrongs, 
or  to  reconcile  them  to  close  contact  with  those  tow- 
ard whom  they  have  once  formed  strong  dislikes. 
It  is  a  strict  rule  in  Israelitish  laio  to  defend  the  poor 
and  fat^ierless ;  this  his  brothers  had  failed  to  do  in 
his  own  case  ;  he  wished  them  to  reahze  their  own 
injustice  before  he  could  consent  to  become  a  leader 
for  his  country.  His  patriotism  was  zealous,  but  his 
prejudice  was  stronger ;  and  not  until  after  much  per- 
suasion, and  their  consenting  to  conform  to  his  pre- 
scribed terms,  would  he  be  prevailed  upon  to  become 
their  chief.  We  cannot  admire  the  general  tenor  of 
Jephthah's  early  life,  yet  must  give  him  praise  for  an 
independence  of  mind,  a  heroic  fortitude,  which  could 
alone  have  induced  him  to  decline  again,  even  after 
his  brothers  had  made  concession,  a  place  that  he 
felt  was  one  of  such  honor,  that  only  the  positive 
necessity  of  the  moment  could  have  instigated  them 

to  offer  it  to  him. 

2 


26       ]g[it;$  ^^W3l8  tti  the  ^j^ient. 


Jephthah  said  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead  •  "  Did 
you  not  hate  me,  and  expel  me  out  of  my  father's 
house  ?  and  why  are  ye  come  unto  me  dow  in  dis- 
tress?" And  the  elders  among  whom  were  his 
brothers,  entreated  him  to  come,  described  the  un- 
fortunate condition  of  the  Jews  who  had  gone  astray 
after  idols,  and  pointed  to  the  probability  of  their 
dehverance,  not  only  from  their  enemies,  but  from 
further  wickedness,  if  he  would  agree  to  become  their 
leader.  So  at  last,  Jephthah,  unable  to  withstand 
their  repentance,  after  he  had  stipulated  with  them 
for  certain  conditions,  consented  to  be  their  captain. 
He  required  them  to  sign  a  pledge  to  this  eflfect :  If 
he  returned  successful  from  his  battles,  they  would 
still  retain  him  for  their  leader.     This  they  did.    ' 

Jephthah  had  learned  in  his  expeiience  of  shifts, 
amidst  every  variety  of  mind,  that  a  man  may  be 
exalted  when  expediency  renders  it  necessary  for  the 
general  good,  but  that  when  events  settle  down 
ordinarily,  the  same  man  is  apt  to  be  let  sink  back 
into  his  original  obscurity ;  as  the  necessity  for  his 
effort  is  removed  he  becomes  useless  as  an  ornament, 
and  is  consequently  forgotten. 


Jplhe  ^ui^quaise— _ff  dah.        27 


Jephthah  had  some  ambition ;  and  a  strong  incen- 
tive worked  the  lever  of  his  aspirations.  He  remem- 
bered the  fresh  rose  that  bloomed  in  his  bower,  and 
liked  to  shed  lustre  over  it,  through  valorous  deeds 
and  well-earned  praise.  His  heart  also  repented  it, 
of  the  lawless  habits  which  he  had  assumed ;  and 
he  determined  to  reform  his  hitherto  wild,  reckless 
life,  and  to  become  a  man  honored  among  men,  and 
approved  by  the  God  of  his  forefathers,  from  whom 
he  had  strayed. 

No  one  who  seriously  reflects  upon  the  disadvan- 
tage under  which  he  labored  when  a  child — for  from 
his  very  birth  he  had  lived  among  boys  who  were 
selfish,  avaricious,  and  entirely  ignorant  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  beautiful  laws  of  Jewish  equity,  which 
handled  each  man,  woman,  and  child,  under  every 
circumstance  and  condition,  as  tenderly  as  justice 
would  allow,  boys  who  scrupled  not  to  heap  insult 
upon  injury,  who  taunted  him  with  the  sins  of  his 
mother,  derided  with  jeers  and  laughter  every  sign  of 
chivalric  conduct,  and  set  at  naught  his  youthful  ex- 
ploits— nobody  could  wonder  at  his  irregular  habits 
after  he  became  a  man.    And  again  he  had  no  mother 


28      ^it;^  jBurels  of  ih^  ^timxi. 


to  ivatch  over   Mm,  and  this  is  a  whole  argument 
against  probable  morality  in  any  man. 

He  was  a  child  bom  neither  of  a  wife,  a  concubine, 
nor  a  mistress,  but  of  a  stray  woman,  whose  position 
excluded  the  son  from  recognition  in  any  plane  of 
social  obligation :  he  was  taken  into  the  house  of  his 
father's  wife,  who  jealously  and  hatefully  regarded 
him  as  the  usurper  of  her  lawfully-born  children's 
rights,  and  she  urged  her  rude  sons  by  her  example 
to  their  course  of  cruelty  toward  the  orphan. 

To  crush  down  an  independent,  high  spirit,  by 
sneers,  to  keep  ambition  tied  hand  and  foot  by  pecu- 
niary poverty,  is  like  fastening  a  lion,  fresh  from  the 
wild  woods,  the  broad  forests,  rolling  tides  of  waters, 
the  clear,  free,  unfettered  light  of  heaven,  the  liberty 
that  Nature  gives,  in  a  cage  half-dark  ;  and  leads  to 
perverted  talent,  vitiated  tastes,  and  corrupt  habits. 

Cruelty  to  his  manliness,  hatred  of  his  name,  and 
contempt  for  his  society,  were  hard  things  for  a 
proud  lad  to  bear ;  and  when  his  brothers,  deter- 
mined that  he  should  no  longer  live  with  them,  and 
by  brute  force  overcame  the  father's  authority  and 
Jephthah's  strength,  and  thrust  him  forth  into  the 


I^ihii  J^mtinmsii — j^dah.         29 


wide  world,  alone,  without  a  resting-place  for  his 
head  besides  the  ground,  or  a  roof  to  shelter  him  be- 
sides the  canopy  of  the  skies,  without  woman's  hand 
to  smooth  a  single  hardship  from  his  path,  and  with 
scarcely  any  conception  of  God's  lore  for  each  one  of 
his  chosen  race  ;  it  is  not  strange  that  Jephthah  in 
his  undisciplined  state  of  mind  should  cultivate  the 
fiercer  passions,  and  for  expression  of  them,  take 
delight  in  daring  exploits,  startling  adrentures,  and 
dangerous  feats. 

Jephthah's  life,  from  the  time  that  he  was  a  youth 
of  perhaps  eighteen  to  full  manhood,  was  not  filled 
with  commissions  of  willful  sin,  but  his  lawlessness 
was  rather  the  result  of  biased  circumstances.  Such 
a  life  is  not  so  heinous  in  the  eye  of  Omnipotence, 
as  the  transgressions  of  moral  law  which  men  of  cul- 
tivated minds  and  golden  opportunity  often  weave 
over  great  spaces  of  their  lives,  transgressions  upon 
which  the  eye  of  respectability  has  not  rested  and 
named  crime/  sins  which  have  been  wrapped  up 
under  the  extenuating  circumstance  of  wealth,  or 
hidden  behind  the  sanctity  of  ecclesiastical  dignity  ; 
yet  which,  for   all   that,  are   in   reality,  deepening 


30       ^itTB  frZVj^U  ixt  ihz  i^x^iGui. 


and  tightening  their  folds,  hardening,  all  the  time, 
the  fibres  of  moral  being.  When  at  the  bar  of  im- 
mortal judgment  these  men  stand  together,  Jephthah 
may  be  the  first  to  reach  forth  and  take  the  sceptre 
of  love,  and  the  sign  of  retribution. 

Circumstance  is  the  grand  shaper  of  human  con- 
duct ;  principle  is  often  subordinate  to  its  stern  rela- 
tions.    Fact  is  fact ;  and  necessity  is  invincible. 

It  is  not  stated  in  Sacred  history,  nor  in  any  com- 
mentary, where  Jephthah  married  his  wife,  but  when 
he  left  his  native  place  he  went  to  Tob,  whose  poetic 
interpretation  is  "  good,  pleasant,  agreeable ;"  and 
as  he  became  associated  with  men,  some  of  whom 
had  held  high  places,  were  rich  and  influential  at 
one  time,  it  is  probable  that  in  one  of  these  families 
he  found  an  accomplished,  lovely  woman,  who, 
under  the  inspiration  of  love,  forgetting  or  not 
knowing  the  discrepancies  in  their  social  spheres, 
married  him.  Jephthah  became  rich  through  his 
spoils,  and  was  afterward  renowned  for  his  mighty 
deeds  in  arms  ;  possibly  grief  at  the  daily-increasing 
jeopardy  in  which  the  life  of  her  idolized  husband 
was  placed  induced  premature  disease  and  conse- 


J^Elhc  B^ui^qutxisc — ,^dah.         31 


quently  the  wife's  death,  when  Adah  was  at  a  very 
tender  age. 

It  was  the  custom  in  ancient  days,  as  well  as  now, 
for  ladies  of  distinction  to  have  numerous  servants,  a 
maid  or  man-servant  to  fill  every  place  in  the  detail 
of  household  economy.  Jephthah's  wife  was  not 
without  her  share  of  luxury  and  the  usual  appoint- 
ments of  ladies  of  rank.  It  was  a  romantic  country, 
and  was  a  fit  field  for  cultivating  the  sentimental  or 
emotional,  and  we  may  fancy  Jephthah's  bride  often 
wandering  with  her  maids  along  flowery  foot-paths, 
or  up  steep  ravines,  and  over  flimsy  foot-bridges, 
scanning  precipitous  heights,  where  vines  of  luxu- 
riant fruitage  lined  the  banks  around  and  reached 
the  topmost  boughs  of  the  trees,  while  the  variegated 
tints  of  the  plumage  of  sweet  singing-birds  made 
elegant  contrast,  and  their  trills  vocalized  the  air. 
Often  would  she  wend  her  footsteps  down  the  glen, 
and  across  the  moor,  stretching  her  gaze  afar  in 
hope  of  being  rewarded  by  the  sight  of  her  lord, 
her  chief,  her  hero,  her  husband,  after  he  had  re- 
mained absent  a  longer  time  than  he  proposed;  and 
we  can  see  how  the  stalwart  form  of  Jephthah  tow- 


\2      ^it;e  J^eurels  ixi  the  ^j^ieni 


ered  above  her  dimensions,  as  he,  after  springing 
from  his  foaming  steed,  and  giving  a  quick  glance 
back  at  his  comrades  in  the  distance,  whom  he  had 
outridden,  opened  his  arms  and  fondly  embraced 
his  gentle  wife,  calling  her,  "his  rose,"  and 
repaying  her,  in  that  one  loving  caress,  for  all 
the  tears  she  had  shed  on  account  of  his 
absence. 

Some  of  the  most  love-sick  heroes  of  romance 
have  been  described  in  Bible  history,  and  the  sturdy 
warriors  of  that  day  and  time  open  a  wider  field  for 
romantic  speculation  than  anything  of  modern  era. 
All  that  could  be  procured  to  adorn  his  house  for 
his  wife's  pleasure,  Jephthah  secured;  no  time  or 
expense  was  spared,  whereby  her  comfort  might  be 
established  or  her  pleasures  enhanced.  Jephthah 
loved  her  still  more  dearly  because  she  had  taken 
him  when  life  had  so  drear  an  aspect,  and  there  was 
nothing  in  his  circumstances  which  could  have  pre- 
sented an  inducement  for  any  woman  to  wish  to 
share.  She  had  made  choice  of  him  because  of  the 
glory  that  love,  which  is  so  peculiar,  so  mysterious, 
had  painted  about  him. 


Jplho  jpittrquoise — J^^ah.        33 


Love,  oh !  so  good,  the  comforter, 

Divinity  and  arbiter, 

Of  each  one's  life ;  a  th.ng  so  sweet 

It  will  all  difficulties  meet. 

If  it  may  but  give  itself;  It  cares 

Not  for  reproach,  or  blame ;  but  dares. 

They  loved  one  another  enthusiastically,  and 
when  their  first-born,  their  only-born,  was  given 
them,  their  loves  were  monumented  in  the  sweet 
little  scion  of  their  blent  selves. 

Desolate  and  drear,  after  this  dear  wife  died  and 
was  buried  in  the  tombs  among  her  ancestors,  would 
his  life  have  been,  if  the  black-haired  babe  had  not 
represented  her,  and  as  the  child  grew  into  woman- 
hood, if  she  had  not  been  all  with  which  such  a 
mother  might  have  endowed  her  daughter.  She 
inherited  every  beautiful  trait  from  both  parents. 
She  resembled  her  mother  in  form  and  feature. 
She  had  imbibed,  from  the  peculiar  nature  of  her 
father's  pursuits,  a  stronger  spirit  of  endurance,  and 
a  keener  sense  of  the  duties  incumbent  upon  a  sol- 
dier's daughter,  than  her  mother,  who  had  been 
brought  up  amid  the  peaceful  domestic  scenes  of 

a* 


34      ]Kwe  jewels  ni  the  Orient. 


civil  life,  could  ever  gain.  She  was  flaccid  even, 
to  the  most  acute  sensibility,  yet  in  moments  of 
imminent  anxiety  or  impending  peril,  she  could  call 
up  the  stem  adamantine  of  self-control  to  a  degree 
which  some,  who  called  themselves  philosophers, 
might  have  been  proud  to  emulate. 

In  her  childhood  her  father's  retainers  were  wont 
to  show  her  the  most  chivalrous  attention,  which 
early  gave  an  individual  strength  to  her  manner,  and 
created  a  self-reliance  which  served  a  good  purpose 
in  her  life  of  double  duty.  Adah  had  a  luxuriance 
of  black  hair  which  waved  in  rich  masses  around  a 
head  beautifully  shaped.  She  was  remarkable  for 
the  length  and  texture  of  her  hair,  among  the 
companions  with  whom  she  associated.  There 
were  many  maidens  in  Tob,  and  as  her  father's 
house  was  well  appointed,  and  an  accession  of  num- 
bers made  no  material  difference  in  her  domestic 
arrangement,  she  had  always  staying  with  her  five 
or  six  young  friends  who  cheered  her  in  her  father's 
absence.  Many  a  sweet  story  of  love  and  valor  and 
knightly  escort  would  one  relate  to  the  others,  each 
taking  their  turn  to  recite.    Flowers  grew  luxuri- 


jpihe  Jpluriiumse — ..^d-ah.        $5 


antly  in  that  region.  Around  her,  on  every  side, 
Adah  was  accustomed  to  glorious  colors,  sweet 
scents,  and  in  varieties  of  rose,  lily,  and  pome- 
granate. Fresh  fountains  of  water,  sending  out 
perpetually  their  jets  like  liquid  diamonds,  shone 
between  the  green  vesture  of  the  olive  and 
the  scarlet  of  the  azalia,  making  a  sylvan-like 
scene.  All  these  attractions  attached  this  child  of 
beauty  to  her  home,  and  through  the  beautiful  she 
was  attached  to  life.  Life  is  desirable ;  there 
is  enough  on  this  shore  to  make  it  enjoyable 
wherever  there  is  a  spirit  wise  enough  to  look 
beyond  petty  events  to  the  universal  grand 
scheme  of  eternal  good  which  is  in  our  very 
midst. 

Sweetly  sang  Adah ;  tenderly  she  touched  her 
timbrel;  and  sometimes  her  festivals  were  marked 
by  rare  displays  of  the  poetry  of  motion  which 
terpsichorean  amateurs  might  well  praise.  Jeph- 
thah's  daughter  was  religiously  trained ;  her 
mother  had  not  been  an  idolater,  but  was  one  of 
the  chosen  people;  her  religious  devotions  had 
never    been     biased     by    any    association    with 


36      ^it;e  Jfewels  xxl  ibe  ^ni^nt 


heathens.    Adah  also  served  the  God  of  her  fathers 
with  all  the  feryor  of  her  ardent  nature. 

One  day,  when  Adah  was  seventeen,  and  the  full 
beauties  of  ripeness  which  had  entered  into  com- 
pact to  create  a  faultless  living  thing  were  satisfied 
that  they  had  clothed  her  with  so  celestial  a  dower 
that  she  stood  more  like  a  spiritual  vision  of  angelic 
design  than  as  mere  woman,  she  took  hold  of  the 
hand  of  Beta,  her  favorite  companion,  and  went 
toward  the  foot  of  a  high  hill  or  mountain  in  the 
rear  of  her  house.  Not  being  afraid,  they  wandered 
beyond  their  destination,  and  came  unexpectedly 
upon  a  band  of  strange  men  and  women,  who  were 
not  called  gypsies  in  those  days,  but  who  were  verily 
of  the  same  kind.  They  were  a  mixture  of  races 
for  whom  we  have  scarcely  a  name  ;  offshoots  from 
tribes  who  were  ostracised  from  the  privileges  of 
name  and  nationality ;  roving  and  unsettled,  but 
peaceful.  They  pitched  their  tents  anywhere,  some- 
times planting  a  little  colony  in  a  night,  making  a 
lively  foreground  to  the  blunt,  scraggy  mountain- 
sides, remaining  for  a  short  time,  and  leaving  as 
suddenly. 


jpihe  I^^urqumsc— ^Sdah.         37 


As  Adah  and  her  friend  wandered  out  of  their 
asual  route,  they  came  suddenly  upon  one  of  these 
little  encampments  of  snow-white  tents,  and  turned 
to  retrace  their  steps,  but  a  form  rose  up  be- 
fore Adah,  strongly  marked  against  the  sky,  and 
stood  as  if  spell-bound,  gazing  upon  her  beauty,  of 
which,  in  her  innocence  of  vanity,  she  did  not 
think. 

It  was  the  form  of  a  man,  athletic  and  symmetri- 
cally proportioned  ;  he  was  graceful,  and  seemed  to 
be  well  versed  in  the  etiquette  of  the  day,  for  he 
took  off  one  of  his  sandals  and  laid  it  upon  his  head. 
This  meant,  in  polite  interpretation,  humility  or 
acknowledgment  of  superiorit}',  either  of  beauty, 
sex,  rank,  or  power.  Greatly  surprised  as  she  was, 
Adah  was  too  kind  not  to  return  the  salutation,  and 
when  he  made  known  to  her  that  he  was  her 
mother's  near  relation,  and  had  lately  come  from 
Moab  on  a  visit  to  Tob,  she  invited  him  to  come  to 
her  father's  house,  for  the  maidens  of  that  time  were 
hospitable,  and  it  is  well  remembered  to  what  extent 
Rebecca  carried  this  fine  quality,  in  giving,  not  only 
to  the  messenger  at  the  well  water  from  her  pitcher. 


38       Kit;^  J^ewBls  ni  th$  ®rien;i 


but  by  also  watering  his  camels  with  her  own  fair 
hands. 

Andra  was  curiously  observing  the  manners  of 
these  people  who  occupied  the  tents  when  the  unex- 
pected apparition  of  his  cousin  was  presented.  He 
went  home  with  Adah  and  Beta,  where  he  tarried 
until  Jephthah  returned,  by  whom  he  was  well  re- 
ceived. The  modest  and  dignified  customs  of  the 
East,  dictated  retirement  to  the  females  of  a  house, 
not  from  inferiority  of  position  or  servitude  of  sta- 
tion, but  because  inclination  approved  of  what 
custom  dictated ;  but  neither  was  it  a  sign  of  rank 
to  be  cold  and  restrained  by  artificial  laws.  Adah, 
as  mistress  of  the  house,  gave  kind  attention  to  her 
cousin  Andra,  and  sat  with  him  and  her  father, 
manifesting  in  a  hundred  ways  to  the  delighted 
senses  of  Andra  her  superiority  and  virtue.  The 
word  virtue  has  its  definition  in  more  than  one 
sense,  it  implies  mental  and  moral  strength,  energy, 
and  resolution. 

The  sweet-lipped  god  could  not  stay  away,  could 
not  abide  in  the  distance  when  there  was  such  de- 
lightful opportunity  offered  for  his  manifestation, 


^he  Jpiui;qu0i86 — ,.3^dah.         39 


and  before  the  veiled  heart  of  Adah  was  fairlj  alive 
to  its  own  susceptibility  it  was  seized,  appropriated, 
and  enlisted  under  a  new  order;  something  so 
sweet,  so  blissful  came  into  her  soul  in  return,  that 
its  excess  created  a  suffusion  of  blushes  upon  her 
face,  a  soft  languor  in  her  eyes,  and  a  hesitation  in 
her  manner,  which  declared  to  Andra  that  his  own 
disease  was  caught,  and  that  each  had  the  other's 
symptoms.  Such  joys  as  her  mother  had  ex- 
perienced in  the  days  of  her  courtship,  and  as  all 
women  from  Eve  successively  down  have  realized, 
and  must  still  entertain  as  long  as  time  lasts, 
had  now  sprung  up  in  the  fresh  soil  of  her  nature 
to  impress  it  indeHbly.  The  great  inspiration  of 
this  new  intelligence  is  wonderful  in  forming  the 
character  of  a  young  girl. 

Adah  had  always,  from  a  mere  child,  assiduously 
performed  work  in  the  household,  and  she  mani- 
fested a  judgment  and  discrimination  beyond  her 
years.  Her  own  fingers  worked  the  elegant  curtains 
which  hung  at  the  oriental  doorways,  or  embroi- 
dered the  quilted  coverlets  for  the  divans.  Her  in- 
genuity devised  models  for  vases  and  frames,  with 


40      ^ire  fr^w^Xs  ixi  the  ©ttieni 


which  her  beautiful  garden  was  decorated.  The 
situation  and  arrangement  of  the  sweet  shrubs  and 
flowers  were  suggested  by  her,  and  her  own  dress 
was  superintended  and  sometimes  partially  made 
by  herself.  She  had  naturally  a  love  for  gorgeous 
color ;  it  was  what  her  eye  had  rested  upon  from 
her  birth ;  the  amethyst  sky  at  sunset,  the  moun- 
tains tinged  with  hues  of  rose,  and  violet,  and 
orange  were  familiar  to  her  eye  ;  birds  also,  varying 
in  tint  from  every  shade  of  purple  to  faintest  azure, 
she  had  always  seen.  When  Andra  first  met  her, 
she  wore  an  embroidered  dress  of  scarlet  with  a 
blue  bodice,  a  thin,  white,  soft  veil  which  floated 
around  her  figure  and  shaded,  without  concealing, 
her  features.  She  was  tasteful,  industrious,  econom- 
ical, and  charitable.  She  wholly  fulfilled  the  text, 
"  She  stretcheth  out  her  hand  to  the  poor ;  yea,  she 
reacheth  forth  her  hands  to  the  needy."  Her 
chanty  widened,  increased,  and  encompassed  all 
within  her  reach.  She  had  been  patient  under 
great  suspense,  and  from  her  religious  nature,  many 
doubts  must  naturally  have  agitated  her  mind  as  to 
the  moral  character  of  her  father's  life,  and  her  con- 


Jplljc  J3^iij;quai8C — j^d-ah.         41 


viction  of  his  lack  of  piety  must  have  pained  her. 
Young  as  Adah  was,  she  had  had  occasion  to  be 
made  thoughtful  and  prudent ;  she  had  learned  the 
true  submission  of  a  meek  spirit  under  the  dispensa- 
tions of  life  ;  she  had  needed  but  the  touch  of  love  to 
baptize  her  into  perfect  womanhood ;  through  this 
sacrament  she  now  came,  and  was  ready  for  sacrifice, 
or  any  oblation  that  circumstance  might  dictate. 

Their  union  was  approved  by  Jephthah,  and  the 
happy  young  lover  was  ready  to  perform  his  vows 
unto  the  Lord.  Soon  after  this,  Jephthah  was  so- 
licited earnestly  to  take  the  lead  of  the  army  to 
rescue  the  Israelites  from  the  invasion  of  the  Am- 
monites and  others,  to  which  proposition  he  finally 
assented  upon  their  acceptance  of  his  terms,  which 
were  that  he  should  be  made  constant  Judge  of 
Israel  on  his  successful  return.  Though  full  of 
martial  impulse,  Jephthah  was  humane,  and  always 
avoided  bloodshed  if  possible  ;  therefore  he  sent  to 
the  leaders  in  Ammon  terms  of  capitulation,  to 
which  they  returned  answer :  "  That  the  land  of  the 
Israelites  was  theirs ;  that  it  had  originally  belonged 
to  them,  from   whom  it  had   been  taken  by  the 


42       ^itre  jewels  tii  the  ®  ri^ttt. 


Amorites,  who  had  been  dispossessed  by  the  Israel- 
ites; and  that  on  these  grounds  they  claimed  the 
restitution  of  their  lands." 

Jephthah,  believing  that  the  land  belonged  to  the 
Israelites  by  right  of  conquest  from  the  actual  pos- 
sessors, would  not  recognize  any  claim  of  antece- 
dent possessors,  who  not  only  had  rendered  them 
no  help  but  had  showed  them  some  hostiUty.  The 
Ammonites  reasserted  their  claims,  and  on  this  issue 
hostilities  were  inaugurated. 

Before  engaging  in  battle  Jephthah  vowed  a  vow 
unto  the  Lord,  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  result  of  vic- 
tory. This  brings  our  narrative  to  the  thrilling 
and  tragical  incidents  connected  with  Jephthah's 
daughter.  The  vow  which  Jephthah  so  thought- 
lessly made  was  as  follows  : 

"  And  Jephthah  vowed  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  If  thou  shalt  without  fail  deliver  the  children 
of  Ammon  into  my  hands,  then  it  shall  be  that 
whatsoever  cometh  of  the  doors  of  my  house  to 
meet  me,  when  I  return  in  peace  from  the  children 
of  Ammon,  shall  surely  be  the  Lord's,  and  I  will 
oflfer  it  up  for  a  burnt-offering." 


Jpllj©  jpiurquxxise — .^daU.         43 


The  general  nature  of  a  vow  is  that  of  a  promis- 
sory oath,  of  future  service.  Vows  were  very  com- 
mon under  the  Old  Testament  dispensation.  Those 
in  distress,  sickness,  or  difficulty,  made  promises  to 
God  of  certain  stipulated  services  in  the  event  of 
their  deliverance  or  success.  David  says,  "Thy 
vows  are  upon  me,  O  Lord;  I  will  render  praise 
unto  thee,  for  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 
death.  Wilt  thou  not  deliver  my  feet  from  falling, 
that  I  may  walk  before  God  in  the  land  of  the 
Uving?" 

Adah,  although  gentle  in  disposition,  was  not 
without  fervid  patriotism,  and  this  the  recollection 
of  the  annals  of  her  kindred  and  country  helped  to 
intensify. 

Every  sympathetic  feeling  in  her  nature  was 
aroused  when  her  father  was  called  to  a  high 
post  of  honor  by  the  elders  and  rulers,  and  filial 
affection,  piety,  and  emotions  of  ambition  for  the 
success  of  the  Israelites  stirred  her  sensibilities. 
Her  interest  was  doubled  in  the  coming  contest 
when  Jephthah  selected  Andra  as  one  of  his  officers, 
his  fame  also  becoming  involved. 


44      ^itre  Jr^m^U  ni  the  <^r[i^ut 


Warfare  has,  incidental  to  it,  tragedies  of  fearful 
importance.  Ancient  tradition  and  modem  account 
agree  that  upon  its  track  there  follow  a  succession 
of  horrible  occurrences :  the  black- winged  messenger 
of  disease,  disaster,  crime,  demoralization ;  and  that 
tragedy  becomes  habitualized  to  the  hour. 

The  preparation  for  a  severe  conflict  at  arms 
throws  a  country  into  a  fermentation  of  excitement ; 
martial  spirit  runs  high,  ambition  forgets  the  possi- 
bility of  defeat,  and  excited  imagination  crowns  every 
one  a  victor.  Money  flows ;  the  national  exchequer 
runs  out  freely,  extravagance  knows  no  stop;  and 
men,  like  puppets,  play  upon  springs  which  may 
snap  in  a  moment,  and  leave  them  limp  and  disabled. 

Though  anxiety  for  her  father's  and  lover's  safety 
greatly  agitated  Adah's  mind,  yet  she  seized  the 
contagion  of  hope,  and  was  thrown  into  the  general 
feeling  which  commonly  exercised  all ;  so  that  she 
did  not,  until  the  very  moment  of  parting  came, 
realize  the  terrible  peril  in  which  all  who  were 
dearest  to  her  would  be  placed. 

When  the  great  army,  as  far  as  her  eye  could 
reach,  was  stretched  across  the  plain,  awaiting  but 


Jpihe  JlMurquoise — .^dali.        4^ 


the  signal  of  their  captain  to  start  for  glorious  con- 
quest or  for  sad  defeat,  Adah,  for  one  moment 
forgetful  of  all  save  the  womanly  tenderness  in  her 
heart,  twined  her  arms  around  Jephthah  and  pa- 
thetically entreated  him  not  to  expose,  carelessly, 
his  beloved  form  to  the  mark  of  the  enemy.  Jeph- 
thah held  this  treasure,  prized  higher  than  all  earth- 
ly things  save  his  honor,  to  his  heart,  then  placing 
her  hand  in  Andra's,  turned  to  his  war-horse, 
mounted,  and  was  gone. 

The  maiden  raised  her  face  to  her  lover's,  and  in 
one  long,  silent  kiss,  the  blisses  of  love  were  poured 
out,  which  neither  the  circumstance  of  its  occasion 
nor  the  possibility  of  its  being  final  could  make  less 
sweet.  One  pressure  against  his  strong  breast, 
whose  emotions  were  strenuous  for  love  and  sacri- 
ficial to  duty,  and  he,  too,  was  gone. 

Desolate  days  and  nights  were  passed;  through 
which  Adah  shivered  under  the  cruel  chill  of  appre- 
hension. The  excitement  of  preparation  being  over, 
the  endurance  of  separation  seemed  hard.  The 
flowers  bloomed  as  gayly,  the  birds  sang  as  merrily, 
the  sky  shone  as  bright,  friends  surrounded   her, 


46      Kitre  l^ewels  ni  the  (Orient. 


God  was  above,  yet  there  was  a  yearning  after  the 
absent  ones ;  a  longing  for  their  safety  which  created 
a  gloomy  mental  mist ;  melancholy  settled  upon  her. 
Music  could  no  longer  amuse,  books  no  longer 
solace,  and  her  handmaidens  often  found  her  weep- 
ing. It  was  not  for  herself  that  she  would  have 
indulged  such  sorrow,  but  for  those  wliose  lives, 
precious  to  themselves  as  well  as  her,  were  in  peril. 

In  the  meantime  Jephthah,  girded  with  his  unerr- 
ing sword,  led  his  army  from  the  declivities  across 
Jordan,  where  the  opposing  hordes  were  gathered 
as  thick  as  blades  of  grass.  He  became  inspired 
with  strength  from  invisible  heavenly  powers ;  the 
mantle  of  valor  settled  over  him ;  his  hands  were 
controlled  and  his  voice  sent  commands  which  were 
like  utterances  of  the  gods ;  he  dashed  upon  the 
enemy  like  a  falling  bolt,  amid  gleaming  spears  and 
willing  blades,  and  came  out  clear  of  wounds,  un- 
hurt by  anything,  after  hosts  had  closed  again  and 
again  about  him.  At  last,  like  waves  held  by  the 
tide,  his  enemies  fell  back ;  the  rout  was  complete, 
Jephthah  was  victor. 

His  militarv  tactics  proved  that  no  mean  master- 


jpihc  jpiuiiqutiisc — _^.dah.         47 


hand  guided  him.  His  religious  nature  came  forth 
from  the  obscurity  of  perverted  life,  his  vow 
returned  to  him  after  the  success  of  his  arms ;  and 
he  praised  God  in  his  heart,  and  determined  by  the 
pious  observance  of  that  vow  to  expiate  some  of  his 
past  offences  against  divine  law. 

He  sent  a  herald  before  him  to  apprize  his  be- 
loved only  child,  who  could  touch  the  springs  of  his 
nature  as  none  other  might,  of  his  victory  and 
immediate  return. 

Joy,  unqualified  delight,  flooded  Adah's  heart. 
Her  country  was  saved ;  her  father  and  lover  left 
alive ;  were  both  made  famous  by  their  intrepidity 
and  superior  generalship!  Smiles  wreathed  her 
face,  all  of  the  sleeping  animation  was  restored,  and 
the  very  goddess  of  pleasure  herself  might  have 
patterned  expressions  from  Adah's  eyes,  lips,  and 
whole  countenance. 

Rejoicing  was  the  motive  of  the  hour;  families 
and  people  all  with  one  heart,  acclamatory  of 
praise,  lifted  their  voices  in  thanksgiving.  Only 
those  who  have  lived  in  the  midst  of  war  can  realize 
how  gratefully  jpeace  comes. 


48      ^ive  J'^wets  nt  the  <§)j:ieut. 


Jephthah's  daughter  had  cause  to  make  great 
demonstration,  and  she  called  together  hastily  her 
household,  and  arranged  with  them  plans  for  a 
festival.  Erich  cakes,  preserves,  and  confectionery, 
meats  and  strong  food,  wine,  nectarines,  and  grapes, 
were  all  gathered,  arranged,  and  set  in  the  grand 
hall  for  the  returning  generals  and  soldiers.  Great 
was  the  excitement  of  the  servants  and  maidens. 
Adah  went  around  like  a  white,  misty  cloud,  dropped 
a  word  here  and  there,  or  peeped  over  some  gar- 
dener's brawny  shoulder,  with  a  smile  which  out- 
shone the  summer  light  that  ravished  his  flowers, 
and  repaid  him  for  the  wounds  of  thorns  (which, 
alas !  will  grow  everywhere),  or  the  wanton  riot  set 
loose  among  his  favorite  beds  and  borders. 

Beauty  sits  well  in  every  place ;  it  can  never  be 
disproportioned  to  circumstance,  but,  like  the  sun- 
Light,  can  measure  any  distance  or  fill  any  space. 
And  Adah,  under  the  shadow  of  the  peasant's  lintel, 
or  within  the  brilliant  light  of  palace-haU,  was  still 
a  welcome  object.  And  now,  in  this  hour  of 
triumph,  many  who  had  been  blessed  by  her  hand 
came  and  brought  offerings  of  sweet  laurels  or  some 


Jplhe  J^dlui^iiumse— ,^dah.        49 


teiider  token  of  their  appreciation,  and  Adah  gladly 
received  every  kind  demonstration.  At  last,  after 
everything  necessary  for  her  feast  had  been  pre- 
pared, the  table  spread,  festoons  of  flowers  hung  in  a 
triumphal  arch  in  front  of  her  doorway,  the  maidens 
assembled,  she  awaited  the  approach  of  her  father 
and  her  lover. 

She  had  thought  that,  to  please  her  lover,  she 
Avould  put  on  bridal  attire,  and  it  is  possible  that 
sweet  visions  of  her  nuptials  actuated  her.  White 
embroidered  silk,  with  a  tunic  over  it  of  soft,  float- 
ing, silver  tissue,  composed  her  dress.  Pearls  were 
around  her  wrists  and  arms  above  the  elbows; 
around  her  neck,  ia  her  ears  were  large  hoops  of 
gold  set  with  pearls.  A  white  veil  floated  over  her 
flowing  hair,  and  gave  to  it  the  appearance  of  frost 
upon  a  raven's  wing.  We  can  imagine  her  eager- 
ness for  the  meeting,  how  breathlessly  she  awaited 
the  first  intimation  of  their  approach. 

With  their  haips  and  timbrels  strung, 
Upon  expectancy  they  hung ; 
As,  bending  o'er,  each  lovely  maid 
Her  tribute  of  attention  paid. 
3 


5o      ^iu3  Jr^w^Xs  ni  ihz  ®  Jii$»t 


The  welcome  signal  came  at  last ; 
One  sigh  from  parted  lips  she  cast ; 
Then  Adah  floated  forth  to  treat 
The  heroes,  with  her  greeting  sweet 

like  visions  caught  in  happy  dream 
The  scene  presented  here  might  seem, 
*Twa8  if  as  angels,  bright,  had  dropt 
From  paradise,  and  warfare  stopt 

For  grizzled  warriors,  whose  arms 
Were  tremulous  of  late  alarms. 
And  glittering  steel,  whose  ardent  track 
Was  scored  in  blood,  gave  back. 

They  made  betwixt  a  pathway  that 
The  maid  might  reach  him,  who  still  sat 
Upon  his  steed,  whose  long  locks  caught 
By  whipping  winds  to  curls  were  wrought 

His  beard  uncombed,  in  battle  trim. 
Was  knotted  on  his  breast ;  and  grim 
The  warrior  seemed,  although 
His  eye  burned  with  a  tender  glow. 

Beneath  the  rugged  outside  stirred 
A  thought  of  sweets  to  fame  preferred  • 
His  "  singing-bird  "  invoked  the  strain,' 
And  Adah  ruled  the  chief  again. 


JplhtJ  Jplui^iiuxxise — .^dah.         5i 


Visions  of  her  glad  face  and  thoughts  of  the 
happy  meeting  indeed  played  through  his  brain  and 
heart,  and  his  aspiration  took  a  high  tone ;  he 
praised  God  for  his  victories,  for  the  gift  of  his 
child,  and  determined  to  live  in  the  future  as  became 
a  judge  in  Israel,  and  the  father  of  such  a  daughter. 
Just  as  his  spirit  seemed  sweetened  to  its  very  ten- 
derest  tone,  he  observed  the  swaying  of  his  guard ; 
and  lo !  through  the  avenue  came  flying  a  white 
cloud.  God  of  Israel !  'twas  his  child,  his  Adah,  his 
singing-bird,  his  lamb,  his  ring-dove,  his  bond  to 
earth,  his  inspiration  for  heaven.  She ;  she  was  to 
be  offered  up  a  living  human  sacrifice. 

Mechanically,  in  obedience  to  her  loved  voice, 
he  dismounted.  Adah,  with  every  dimple  playing 
in  ecstacy  to  her  smiles,  threw  her  white  arms 
around  his  war-stained  breast  and  kissed  him. 
Startled  and  astonished  at  his  coldness,  for  he  in- 
deed stood  a  monument  of  dumb,  cold  despair,  she 
exclaimed,  "  My  father,  my  father,  what  is  it,  and 
what  has  thy  Adah  done  in  thy  sight  that  she  is  not 
welcomed?"  Then,  indeed,  the  fountains  of  feel- 
ing were  pierced  and  a  way  was  opened  for  words ; 


52      ^ire  jewels  ni  the  ®iiletti 


the  warrior  who  had  just  stood  a  man  of  iron  at 
the  head  of  a  great  army,  had  seen  men  fall  beneath 
his  sword  like  grain  before  the  reaper,  and  been 
unmoved,  now  shook  like  a  reed  swayed  by  the 
wind,  and  was  bathed  in  tears ;  as  the  granite  rock 
is  baptized  by  the  fountain  that  bursts  from  its  own 
bosom.  Suddenly  he  had  been  translated  from  the 
highest  elevation  of  joy  to  the  deepest  dejection  of 
despair. 

Adah,  appalled  at  this  great  demonstration  of 
sorrow,  knelt  at  his  feet,  clasped  his  blood-stained 
knees,  and  cried  again,  "  My  father,  why  is  this  ?" 
Then  he  answered  her,  "Alas,  my  daughter,  thou 
hast  brought  me  very  low,  and  thou  art  one  of  them 
that  trouble  me ;  for  I  have  opened  my  mouth  unto 
the  Lord  and  I  cannot  go  back." 

Stupefied  for  a  moment,  stunned,  bewildered, 
horrified,  Adah  contemplated  her  father;  then, 
seeming  to  realize  it  all,  to  understand  the  nature 
of  the  Israelitish  vows,  she  slowly  let  her  hands 
droop,  closed  her  eyes,  and  seemed  to  pray.  After 
that  the  woman  prevailed ;  she  thought  of  the  suf- 
ferings   of    her    father,   her    lover,    and    she    put 


Jpllic  l^xxvtinmsii — ,^dah. 


aside  her  sorrow  for  herself,  and  stood  strong  to 
bear  their  grief.  So  natural  is  it  for  womanhood  to 
give,  to  bestow  at  its  otvn  cost,  that  to  manj  women 
sacrifice  is  sweeter  than  favor ;  there  are  some 
women  of  this  day  who  live  martyrs,  and  who  are  so 
comforted  under  the  infliction  that  they  would 
hardly  accept  release  if  it  were  offered.  It  was 
after  woman's  nature  for  Adah  to  look  up  almost 
cheerfully  and  answer,  "  My  father,  if  thou  hast 
opened  thy  mouth  unto  the  Lord,  do  to  me  accord- 
ing to  that  which  hath  proceeded  out  of  thy  mouth ; 
forasmuch  as  the  Lord  hath  taken  vengeance  for 
thee  of  thine  enemies,  even  of  the  children  of 
Ammon,  let  this  thing  be  done  for  me ;  let  me  alone 
for  two  months,  that  I  may  go  up  and  down  upon 
the  mountains,  and  bewail  my  virginity,  I  and  my 
maidens." 

This  was  all  she  asked,  she  made  no  other  re- 
quirements, plead  for  nothing,  urged  no  entreaties, 
used  no  reproaches,  but  only  stipulated  for  two 
months  longer  of  her  sweet,  fresh,  beautiful  life. 
Her  lover  asked  nothing  but  that  he  might  hold 
her  to  his  heart  once   more  and  die ;  it  seemed 


54      'WM^  Jr^w^Xs  nt  the  Orient. 


that  heaven  heard  his  prayer,  for  we  are  told  that 
his  great  grief  induced  fatal  disease  and  caused  his 
speedy  death. 

We  would  fain  close  our  history,  would  fold  over 
the  terrible  tragedy,  sublime  in  its  very  horror,  a 
veil,  but  our  readers  call  for  the  whole  drama,  and 
we  set  our  face  hard  and  follow  Adah  to  the  seclusion 
of  her  mountain  retreat,  whither  she  had  repaired 
to  do  penance  and  sanctify  herself  for  her  sacrifice. 

We  know  that  there  are  doubts  about  the  actual 
fulfillment,  to  the  letter,  of  Jephthah's  vow.  To  be 
deprived  of  the  joys  of  connubiality  and  condemned 
to  perpetual  virginity  was  to  the  Jews  a  great  afflic- 
tion, disgrace,  and  punishment ;  whereas  to  the 
Catholics,  vice  versa,  it  is  an  honor,  and  the  surest 
means  of  securing  divine  favor. 

It  is  allowed  by  some  that  Jephthah  might  have 
fulfilled  his  vow  so  far.  But  assuming  that  no  com- 
mutation of  the  full  sentence  was  made,  Adah  was 
offered  and  slain;  her  flesh  burned  with  fire,  and 
the  incense  of  the  offering  arose  to  His  nostrils  and 
was  acceptable,  according  to  the  Israelitish  faith,  to 
the  Lord  God  Almighty. 


Jplhe  turquoise— .^dah.         55 


As  another  has  forcibly  illustrated  the  closing 
scene,  we  quote  him,  glad  to  escape  the  thrilling 
torture  of  describing  the  oflfering  of  so  vital  a  thing 
as  human  life  for  a  sacrificial  spectacle. 

"  When  the  two  months  had  expired,  and  the  day 
arrived  which  was  to  bring  this  sad  aflfair  to  a  close, 
a  vast  multitude  gathered  together  to  witness  the 
event.  Precisely  as  the  sun  came  on  the  meridian, 
she  was  seen,  followed  by  a  long  train  of  hei 
friends,  wending  her  way  down  the  mountain's  side 
to  the  fatal  spot  where  the  altar  was  erected,  and 
her  father,  with  an  almost  broken  heart,  was  stand- 
ing, prepared  to  fulfill  his  vow.  She  approached 
him,  and  with  one  long  kiss  of  affection  bade  him 
farewell.  Taking  hold  of  the  thick  mourning- veil 
which  she  wore,  he  drew  it  gently  over  her  face  and 
drew  his  sword.  But  she  rapidly  unveiled  herself, 
and  said  she  needed  not  to  have  her  face  covered, 
/or  she  was  not  afraid  to  die.  Her  father  replied 
that  he  could  not  strike  the  blow  while  she  looked 
upon  him,  and  again  cast  it  over  her.  She  threw  it 
off  the  second  time,  and,  turning  from  him,  said  she 
would  look  up  to  the  heavens  so  that  his  hand 


56       ^ii7B  jpBweU  ni  ihid  C^tii^ttt. 


should  not  be  unnerved  by  the  sight  of  her  face, 
but  that  sJie  would  not  consent  to  die  in  the  dark.  A 
third  time,  however,  he  insisted,  and  a  third  time 
she  as  resolutely  cast  it  off,  this  time  holding  the 
ends  of  it  firmly  in  her  hands,  and  then,  in  the 
hearing  of  the  multitude,  she  solemnly  declared 
that  if  this  ceremony  was  insisted  upon  she  would 
claim  the  protection  of  the  law  and  refuse  the  fate 
she  was  otherwise  willing  to  endure. 

"  She  said  it  was  the  practice  to  cover  the  faces  of 
murderers  and  criminals  when  they  were  about  to 
be  put  to  death,  but  for  her  part  she  was  no  criminal, 
and  died  only  to  redeem  her  father's  honor.  Again  she 
averred  that  she  would  cast  her  eyes  upward  upon 
the  Source  of  Light,  and  in  that  position  she  in- 
vited the  fatal  blow.    It  fell." 

We  are  glad  that  the  curtain  has  shut  out  the 
tragedy,  and  that  we  may  hopefully  raise  it  again 
upon  heaven,  where  our  sanctified,  redeemed  heroine 
has  met  her  Andra,  has  looked  upon  motive,,  seen 
cause,  and  realized  consequence. 

Jephthah  after  this  became  sanctified  to  the 
Lord.     He  judged  Israel  for   six  years,  and   was 


J^he  J^^utiquixise — ..^dah.         57 


"  gathered  to  his  fathers."  His  piety  is  historical. 
His  words  have  passed  down  successive  generations 
as  oracles.  And  all  the  years  of  his  latter  life  ex- 
piated the  offences  of  his  youth. 

In  Adah's  life  we  find  a  truth 

"Which  every  woman  knows, 
That  virtue,  planted  in  one's  youth, 

Through  all  one's  future  grows ; 

That  modesty  will  throw  a  grace 

O'er  genius,  and  devise 
A  model  for  the  highest  place 

Among  the  good  and  wise. 

That  beauty  is  a  goodly  thing, 

If  coupled  with  desire 
To  lift  the  intellect,  and  bring 

Genius  and  wisdom  nigher. 

That  rvreet  humility  which  craves 

No  more  than  it  deserves 
Shuts  oflf  much  cruel  grief,  and  paves 

A  path  which  it  preserves. 

Though  riches  flow  to  magic  touch, 

And  high  position  buy. 

Yet  woman  knows  that  nothing  such 

Her  heart  can  satisfy. 
3» 


58       [Kitre  Jr^vs^U  ixi  tba  ^ii{i^nt 


A  meek  and  quiet  spirit  sees 

In  humblest  lot  a  peace, 
And  circumstance  of  wealth  and  ease 

Her  joy  cannot  increase. 

To  bend  one's  spirit  low  beneath 

The  yoke  of  duty,  may 
Fix  on  one's  brow  the  victor's  wreath 

In  some  far  future  day. 

The  patient  seiTice  of  true  good 
Through  industry  and  might, 

By  power  supreme  is  understood 
And  to  the  end  worked  right 


II. 


W\e   ¥opa^. 


RUTH. 

UMAN  circumstances  create  them- 
selves; in  various  tones,  coloring, 
and  phase,  they  blend  until  the  uni- 
versal groundwork  or  actuality  is  only 
a  repetition  of  the  minor  parts.  The 
relation  of  cause  with  effect,  the 
likeness  of  human  passions,  the  correspondence  of 
human  interests,  all  compare  equally,  and  assert 
that  man  is  liable  to  be  controlled  by  the  same  prin- 
ciples ;  and  whether  he  loses  or  gains,  he  will  still 
be  influenced  by  the  power  of  thinking.  Dates, 
periods,  and  epochs  alter,  but    principles    never. 


„4 


62       ^itrx)  Jewels  ni  the  (^i^ient. 


Truth  is  as  immortal  as  God,  and  when  applied  to 
things,  is  as  immutable. 

In  one  essential  point,  throughout  all  ages,  na- 
tions, and  places  of  the  world,  however  different  in 
character,  inclination,  and  manner,  men  are  united — 
the  inherent  recognition  of,  and  adoration  for,  a 
Supreme  Power,  and  they  have  devised  external 
manner  to  demonstrate  their  faith,  and  declared 
openly  their  dependence  upon  it. 

Religious  sentiment,  enthusiastically  followed,  has 
originated  some  of  the  greatest  designs  in  every  art 
that  science  ever  knew ;  has  dictated  the  most 
severe  virtue,  and  fulfilled  the  most  holy  obligations 
of  filial  piety,  records  of  which  may  be  had  from  the 
infancy  of  the  world  to  the  present  day,  this  century 
repeating  the  principle  that  the  first  declared. 

To  the  heathen  as  well  as  to  the  Jew  and  Gen- 
tile, this  manifestation  is  alike  given,  and  we  cannot 
more  forcibly  illustrate  its  practical  application  than 
in  a  recital  of  the  life  and  character  of  the  beautiful 
Scripture  heroine  Ruth. 

This  young  woman  of  Moab  was  reared  amid  all 
the  comforts  that  wealth  can  secure.     She  was  ten- 


Jplbc  J^tijtaz— ^uth.  63 


derly  and  delicately  nurtured;  was  accustomed  to 
wear  scarlet  and  purple,  which  could  not  be  obtained 
except  at  great  expense,  and  the  fact  of  a  person's 
wearing  these  colors  was  a  proof  of  high  position 
and  title  to  great  riches.  She  was  of  an  idolatrous 
race  and  nation,  and  zealously  observed  all  the 
feasts  that  her  religion  required.  These  feasts  were 
numerous. 

The  most  particular  one  was  Eleusis,  or  "The 
Mysteries,"  into  which  parents  were  particularly 
careful  to  initiate  their  children  at  an  early  age, 
because  the  ceremony  made  a  compact  which 
secured  the  protection  of  the  goddess  to  whose  ser- 
vices they  dedicated  themselves,  and  was  the  means 
of  a  more  perfect  and  happier  life  in  the  future. 

We  may  very  readily  suppose  that  it  was  at  this 
feast  that  Mahlon,  the  Hebrew  stranger  lately  come 
to  Moab,  for  the  first  time  saw  Ruth,  and  we  may 
naturally  draw  the  picture  of  their  meeting. 

Upon  the  evening  of  the  fourth  day  during  the 
feast,  the  Procession  of  the  Basket  took  place.  An 
immense  basket,  elegantly  designed  and  decorated, 
was  laid  upon  an  open  chariot,  and,  slowly  drawn  by 


64       ^itre  jr^vj^Xs  ni  the  (^i^ieui 


oxen,  was  followed  by  numbers  of  women,  all  of 
whom  carried  mysterious  baskets  in  their  hands, 
filled  with  articles  that  they  took  great  pains  to 
conceal. 

As  Mahlon  stood  under  an  arcn,  or  in  an  em- 
brasure, curiously  observing  this  ceremony  of  the 
idolaters,  his  attention  became  suddenly  riveted 
upon  Ruth,  who,  in  her  anxiety  to  conceal  the  con- 
tents of  her  basket,  paused  a  moment  behind  the 
others  to  arrange  the  elegant  covering  of  embroi- 
dered silk  over  her  mysteries ;  her  hands,  like  two 
sensitive  lilies,  were  cunningly  and  dexterously  fas- 
tening the  top. 

Her  hair,  which  was  of  shiny  black,  luxuriant  and 
soft,  was  waved  freely  back  from  a  broad,  pure 
brow.  Her  eyes,  of  liquid  black  touched  by 
diamond  glints,  were  raised  as  if  by  some  potent 
mysterious  agency,  and  caught  for  one  moment  the 
gaze  of  Mahlon.  The  telegram  of  love  instituted 
the  initiatory  of  the  union  of  two  races  which  was 
finally  to  create  the  house  of  David,  the  beloved  of 
the  Lord. 

Elimelech,  a  man  of  distinction,  rich  and  influen- 


Jplhe  Jp0p:a25— ^Kluth.  65 


tial,  was  a  Jew  of  the  tribe  of  Judah.  He  lived, 
honored  aud  respected,  with  Naomi,  his  wife,  and 
two  sons,  Chilion  and  Mahlon,  until  he  was  past 
middle  life,  in  Bethlehem-Judab,  or  Ephratab, 
which  was  his  native  place.  In  consequence  of  a 
famine  which  devastated  the  land,  he  removed  his 
family  to  Moab,  where  both  of  his  sons  married 
Moabitish  women,  Euth  and  Orpah.  Such  unions 
were  contrary  to  the  given  law  of  the  Lord. 

In  the  case  of  Ruth,  her  devotion  to  Mahlon,  her 
husband,  overcame  every  prejudice ;  the  God  that 
he  worshipped  became  her  God,  and  whatever  con- 
stituted his  happiness  created  her  joy  and  satisfac- 
tion. What  he  desired  she  desired,  and  she  was 
converted  from  idolatrous  worship  to  the  Hebrew 
religion.  She  was  devoted  to  her  husband ;  loved 
him  with  all  the  earnestness  ©f  a  first  genuine  affec- 
tion, and  with  all  the  strength  that  a  character  so 
tender,  yet  so  strong  as  Ruth's,  was  capable  of.  In 
the  poetic  version  of  Scripture  phraseology  she 
proved  that  "  She  will  do  him  good  and  not  evil  all 
the  days  of  her  life,"  and  that  "  A  good  wife  is  from 
the  Lord." 


56      ]i{iue  Jr^wzls  ixi  ibe  ®  iiieut. 


After  a  few  years  of  joyous  wedded  life,  Mahlon 
died  and  also  Chilion.  Elimelech,  too,  was  dead. 
When  Mahlon  lay  upon  his  deathbed  he  charged 
Ruth  not  to  forsake  her  adopted  religion,  but  after 
he  was  buried,  to  cleave  to  it  still  through  every 
chance  and  change. 

Great  was  the  sorrow  of  the  lovely  young  widow, 
when  she  was  left  by  her  best  beloved  to  tread  the 
path  of  life  alone;  it  is  not  surprising  that  she 
should  cling  to  her  who  was  her  Mahlon's  mother ; 
and  though  the  riches  of  Elimelech,  with  which  he 
came  full-handed,  were  aU  exhausted,  and  the  three 
widows,  Naomi,  the  mother-in-law,  and  her  two 
daughters-in-law,  Orpah  and  Ruth,  were  very  poor, 
and  were  barely  supplied  with  necessary  comforts, 
yet  they  would  not  separate,  but  with  tenacious 
constancy  remained  under  the  same  roof,  each  con- 
tributing her  small  share  of  earnings  to  fill  the 
meagre  exchequer's  daily  demand,  thus  fulfilling  the 
law  of  affection  to  its  strictest  letter. 

The  hour  of  adversity  brought  out  the  genuine 
goodness,  portrayed  each  characteristic,  and  devel- 
oped   the   strongest    points    in  the  disposition  of 


JplhD  jp^pa^:— ;Rluth.  (>^ 


Ruth.  Her  own  relations  were  wealthy  and  ex- 
tended the  most  earnest  solicitations  for  her  to 
come  and  share  with  them  their  comfortable  home 
and  appointments,  but  the  faithful  heart  looked 
through  the  dim  obscurity  of  the  grave  up  to 
heaven,  where  was  her  beloved,  who  held  her  reg- 
istered vow.  She  refused  every  invitation  and 
abode  with  Naomi ;  and  with  her  own  delicate 
hands  performed  chief  part  of  the  menial  duties. 

Orpah,  seeing  the  example  of  Ruth,  emulated  her, 
but  when  poverty  pinched  her  sorely  she  had  secret 
longings  for  the  ease  which  competence  insures,  and 
which  was  within  her  reach,  and  when  Naomi  urged 
her  to  leave  her  she  was  scarcely  strong  enough  to 
resist  the  temptation ;  but  she  really  loved  Naomi, 
and  would  have  been  willing  to  stay  with  her  for- 
ever if  such  a  course  had  not  involved  her  personal 
comfort.  To  make  self-sacrifice  was  not  hor  pre- 
vailing quality,  but  a  love  of  ease  was. 

Things  became  worse  and  worse  in  the  little 
household ;  it  was  hard  to  live,  and  Naomi  became 
greatly  depressed,  and  determined  to  return  to  her 
early  home  if  it  were  but  to  die  and  to  have  a  place 


68      ^ive  Jf^vc^Xs  ni  the  <^i;ieni 


to  be  buried  in ;  she  longed  to  be  where  she  could 
enjoy  her  religious  rites  and  ceremonies,  and  be- 
lieved that  by  retracing  her  way  back  from  her 
weary  stay  in  a  foreign  land,  the  God  of  her  fore- 
fathers would  approve  the  act,  for  she  had  violated, 
through  her  husband's  will,  the  law  which  forbids  a 
chosen  one  to  go,  of  his  own  will  and  inclination,  to 
dwell  with  the  heathen.  This  act  of  disobedience 
she  firmly  believed  had  brought  ill  consequences: 
her  present  forlorn  condition. 

She  and  Ruth  and  Orpah  set  out  on  foot ;  a  "  far 
journey,"  as  it  was  then  called,  owing  to  imperfect 
navigation  and  slow  modes  of  land-travel.  The 
flowers  were  in  full  bloom,  the  grape-blossoms 
scented  the  air,  the  birds  sang  their  thanksgiving 
hymns,  and  even  the  little  fishes  that  swam  hither 
and  thither  in  the  brooks  that  they  passed  seemed 
to  rejoice,  and  to  appeal  to  them  to  look  up  to  the 
great  source  of  all  love  for  a  renewal  of  their  hap- 
piness. After  they  had  travelled  a  few  miles 
Naomi's  spirit  became  depressed,  her  steps  faltered, 
and  she  seemed  to  realize  the  hardships  which 
they  should  have  to  encounter  before   they  could 


J^he  Mapaz— ;Klut.b.  69 


reach  the  end  of  their  toilsome  journey,  and  her 
kind  heart  refused  to  involve  in  this  trouble  her  two 
daughters. 

She  threw  herself  down  on  the  green  sward,  her 
garments  trailed  among  the  sweet  wild  anemones, 
and  her  brow  pressed  the  rich  tufts  of  lobelia,  while 
her  hands  tremulously  clasped  Ruth's  and  Orpah's ; 
her  voice  rose  above  the  murmur  of  the  brook  that 
ran  close  beside  the  pathway,  as  she  in  earnest 
tones  begged  her  daughters-in-law  to  return  to  their 
friends :  to  leave  her  to  pursue  her  way  alone ;  if 
she  perished,  it  would  be  only  an  old  woman,  with- 
out any  relative  to  mourn  her,  who  died ;  but  that 
they  were  young,  with  many  years  before  them,  with 
numerous  friends  whose  hearts  would  be  gladdened 
by  their  society. 

In  her  breast  mingled  emotions  contended  for 
mastery.  To  part  with  them,  "Ruth  especially,  was 
as  terrible  as  death.  It  was  a  dreadful  thought  to 
be  left  (done  at  her  time  of  life  ;  very  sweet  to  realize 
that  a  tender  solicitude  was  felt  for  her,  and  to  re- 
tain this  blessing  was  of  coiirse  the  first  wish  of  her 
heart;  but  her  generous  mind  craved  their  happi- 


70       ^itjB  Jr^wtiU  ixi  the  (Orient. 


ness,  and  she  feared  that  they  would  realize  the 
reverse  if  they  stayed  by  her. 

Suddenly  she  raised  her  eyes  to  theirs  and 
impressively  pointed  out  to  them,  in  eloquent 
words,  the  advantage  to  be  gained  by  a  return 
home,  and  the  privations  and  discomfort  which 
would  foUow  them  if  they  remained  with  her. 
She  endeavored  to  persuade  them  to  pursue  the  first 
course.  Ruth  twined  her  arms  around  Naomi  and 
uttered  the  most  eloquent  chapter  of  love  that  has 
ever  been  spoken,  in  these  words  :  "  Entreat  me  not 
to  leave  thee  or  to  return  from  following  thee. 
Whither  thou  goest  I  will  go ;  and  where  thou  lodg- 
est  I  will  lodge.  Thy  people  shall  be  my  people, 
and  thy  God  my  God.  Where  thou  diest  I  will  die, 
and  there  will  I  be  buried.  The  Lord  do  so  to  me 
and  more  also,  if  aught  but  death  part  thee  and 
me!" 

No  studied  oration  could  have  expressed  more 
undying,  changeless,  self-forgetting  devotion  than 
these  simple  words,  Naomi's  heart  bowed  in  admi- 
ration for  so  sublime  a  manifestation. 

Orpah  loved  Naomi  and  kissed  her  repeatedly, 


Jplhx)  Jploiiaz— Jglutb.  7 1 


and  was  anxious  to  manifest  her  love,  but  her  fond- 
ness for  self-indulgence  and  dread  of  the  prospect 
of  poverty  in  a  strange  land  prevailed,  and,  with 
many  tears,  though  with  some  secret  relief,  she  bade 
adieu  to  her  two  companions  and  retraced  her  steps. 

Naomi  no  longer  opposed  Ruth's  determination ; 
it  would  have  been  an  insult  to  human  aflfection ; 
but  she  rose  from  the  ground  upon  which  she  had 
thrown  herself,  renewed  and  strengthened  to  resume 
her  journey.  Ruth  sang  as  they  walked,  and  when- 
ever they  stopped  to  rest  brought  wreaths  of  wild 
flowers  and  playfully  twined  them  around  Naomi's 
waist  and  wrists,  endeavoring  by  every  little  art  to 
wile  her  thoughts  from  the  difficulties  of  their  route. 

At  last,  tired,  dusty,  travel-stained,  and  hungry, 
they  entered  the  gates  of  Bethlehem.  It  is  due  to 
the  people  of  the  times  to  say  that  the  warm  sympa- 
thy shown  to  Naomi  on  her  arrival  proved  them  to 
be  unselfish  enough  to  spare  both  feeling  and  time 
for  their  returned  countrywoman,  and  to  grieve  with 
her  at  those  heavy  afflictions  which  caused  her  to 
reply  to  their  eager  questions,  "  Call  me  not  Naomi, 
the  pleasant,  the  sweet,  but  Mara,  the  bitter,  for  the 


72      ;g{ii;e  Jewels  ixi  ibe  ^Xii^ni, 


Almighty  hath  dealt  very  bitterly  with  me.  I  went 
out  full  and  the  Lord  hath  brought  me  home  again 
empty.  Why,  then,  call  ye  me  Naomi,  seeing  that 
the  Lord  hath  testified  against  me,  and  the  Almighty 
hath  afflicted  me." 

The  poetical  interpretation  of  the  name  Naomi  is 
pleasantness,  sweetness,  grace.  Bitterness  and  sad- 
ness were  now  more  applicable  to  her,  and  she 
plaintively  reminded  her  friends  of  the  fact.  She 
did  not  mean  to  complain,  but  to  prevent  them  from 
recurring  to  the  past,  which  afforded  such  contrast 
with  her  present  condition.  Her  friends  would  have 
heaped  favors  upon  her  and  the  gentle  Euth,  who 
modestly  remained  silent  and  retiring,  but  Naomi 
could  not  bear  to  become  an  object  of  pity,  and  so 
with  their  small  means  they  secured  a  very  humble 
dwelling  in  the  suburbs,  and  she  and  Ruth  com- 
menced their  frugal  life  in  Naomi's  native  city. 

Curiosity  dictated  no  idle  inquiries  about  Ruth ; 
the  Israelites  were  too  well  versed  in  politeness  to 
stare  or  to  ask  questions ;  but  many  a  furtive  glance 
was  given,  and  whispered  expressions  of  admiration 
were  made  at  her  exceeding  loveliness.     She  was 


Ipllje  Ipltjpa^:— Jgjutb.  73 


divested  of  purple,  and  blue,  and  scarlet  colors,  the 
insignia  of  wealth  and  consequence,  now,  and  was 
simply  robed  in  pure  white  linen,  with  a  hood  of  the 
same  over  her  head,  and  half  sandals  upon  her  feet. 

When  they  arrived  at  Bethlehem  it  was  the  time 
of  barley  harvest.  Naomi  had  a  very  wealthy  rela- 
tion of  the  family  of  Elimelech,  who,  according  to 
Jewish  law,  was  bound  to  provide  her  with  all  the 
relief  that  she  needed,  but  her  unassuming  disposi- 
tion led  her  to  prefer  for  the  present  to  remain  in 
retirement,  because  the  contrast  in  their  respective 
positions  was  too  great.  She  concealed  from  Ruth 
his  existence. 

It  was  customary  for  the  peasantry  to  be  allowed 
to  pick  up  the  grain  they  might  find  which  had  been 
left  upon  the  field,  and  so  the  sacred  history  tells  us 
that  "  Ruth  went  to  glean  in  the  fields,  and  that  it 
was  her  hap  to  light  on  a  part  of  the  field  belonging 
to  Boaz."  If  Ruth  had  known  of  this  connection 
she  would  have  hesitated  to  work  at  this  place,  but 
as  she  was  ignorant  of  it,  of  course  she  was  rejoiced 
to  be  so  near  home,  and  was  glad  to  find  Boaz  so 
conciliatory  to  her,  who  was  a  stranger,  and  had  no 


74       JKitrf!  jewels  ixi  tbe  ®  rietlt. 


right  to  presume  upon  the  privilege  of  the  Jewish 
women. 

Boaz  observed  her  modest  deportment,  and  also 
her  elastic  figure,  which  was  the  very  embodiment 
of  grace  and  beauty,  as  she  industriously  performed 
her  tasks,  and  he  told  her  that  it  was  not  necessary 
for  her  to  go  into  any  field  but  his,  and  to  stay  by 
his  maidens.  He  told  her  also  to  keep  close  after 
the  reapers,  for  that  she  should  not  be  insulted  or 
ill-treated. 

How  grateful  this  act  of  appreciation  must  have 
been  to  the  sensitive  young  widow  no  one  can 
realize  but  she  who  has  also  been  a  stranger  in  a 
strange  place,  performing  ofl&ces  which  threw  her 
under  a  light  totally  different  from  that  of  her  usual 
sphere,  and  which  subjected  her  in  a  measure  to 
coarse  treatment.  With  the  sweet  candor  and  gen- 
tle humility  of  her  nature,  she,  knowing  that  from 
her  present  position  she  would  not  seem  to  be 
entitled  to  such  consideration,  inquired  of  Boaz: 
"Why  have  I  found  grace  in  thy  eyes  that  thou 
shouldst  take  this  knowledge  of  rae,  seeing  I  am  a 
stranger  ?" 


Jplha  Jplapa2:— :Ktutli.  75 


Honest  praise  is  very  gratifying,  and  has  often 
given  an  impetus  to  a  heart  for  a  renewal  of  effort, 
which  had  nearly  sunk  under  misappreciation.  The 
meed  of  well-earned  approbation  which  the  answer 
of  Boaz  conveyed,  was  joyfully  received  by  Ruth  ; 
her  mind  delighted  to  find  that  she,  through  virtu- 
ous conduct,  had  secured  a  friend,  possibly,  for  her- 
self, and  her  countenance  lighted  up  by  the  reflec- 
tion of  these  pleasant  thoughts.  Boaz,  taking  the 
covering  from  his  head,  bent  respectfully  forward, 
and,  looking  upon  her  sweet  downcast  eyes,  said 
with  serious  impressiveness :  "  It  hath  been  fully 
shown  me  all  that  thou  hast  done  unto  thy  mother- 
in-law  since  the  death  of  thine  husband ;  how  thou 
hast  left  father  and  mother,  and  the  land  of  thy 
nativity,  and  art  come  unto  a  people  which  thou 
knewest  not  heretofore.  The  Lord  recompense  thy 
work,  and  a  full  reward  be  given  thee  of  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  under  whose  wings  thou  art  come  to 
trust." 

There  was  such  unmistakable  respect,  and  tender 
interest  besides,  intimated  by  his  manner,  that 
Ruth's  heart  trembled  with  satisfaction,  tears  sprang 


76      ^ive  JrZVs^X^  ni  tha  (^Xiiznt 


to  her  eyes,  and  so  much  sensibility  manifested  itself 
in  her  voice  as  she  answered,  "Let  me  still  find 
favor  in  thy  sight,  for  thou  hast  spoken  friendly  to 
thy  hand-maid,  though  I  be  not  like  one  of  thine 
own  hand-maidens,"  that  Boaz  was  betrayed  into  an 
emotion  of  tenderness  which  he  could  not  suppress. 

He  turned  suddenly  away,  lest  he  should  betray 
the  peculiar  interest  that  he  felt  toward  the  strange 
serving-woman,  which  would  make  him  seem  to  his 
dependants  to  be  taking  undue  familiarity.  But  at 
dinner  he  seated  her  near  to  himself,  and  waited 
upon  her,  for  it  is  said  that  he  handed  her  the 
parched  corn.  A  beautiful  picture  the  fair-skinned 
Moabitess  seated  among  her  olive-skinned  com- 
panions must  have  presented;  a  most  novel  and 
pleasing  sight,  indeed ;  so  deUcate,  with  the  evident 
and  unmistakable  signs  of  high  birth  and  breeding 
depicted  in  the  countenance,  in  the  hand ;  her 
peculiar  distinction  from  her  companions  by  the 
manner  of  handling  her  spoon ;  the  attention  be- 
stowed upon  her  by  her  landlord,  all  set  forth  a 
contrast  which  was  unmistakably  interesting. 

There  was  a  distinguishing  refinement  about  her 


J0he  Ptapaz:— Jilttth.  77 


which  made  her  the  especial  figure  in  the  scene, 
and  the  young  men  all  held  her  in  the  most  virtuous 
esteem  ;  they  had  perceived  that  she  was  entitled  to 
their  profoundest  respect. 

Boaz  urged  his  hospitality,  and  was  pleased  to 
see  her  partake  with  a  good  appetite  of  the  viands 
set  before  her ;  and  when  she  had  concluded  her 
dinner  he  followed  the  young  men,  or  reapers,  and 
ordered  them  to  drop  some  of  the  sheaves  so  that 
she  might  have  a  plenty  to  take  home  with  her. 
This  was  a  favor  which  the  reapers  most  willingly 
accorded,  for  each  one  was  impressed  with  the 
superiority  of  the  beautiful  stranger.  Ruth  was 
industrious,  and  gathered  enough  to  make  an  ephah 
of  barley. 

Naomi  had  felt  some  anxiety  about  this  now 
doubly-dear  child  of  her  adoption,  and  often,  as  the 
sun  got  low,  she  had  gone  to  the  door  to  look  if  she 
was  coming.  When  at  last  Ruth  came  into  the 
doorway,  her  face  lighted  up  with  the  pleasant  news 
she  had  to  impart,  Naomi's  affectionate  heart  was 
stirred  with  joy ;  she  herself  brought  cool  water  and 
refreshed  Ruth  with  it,  then  made  haste  to  bring 


78      ^ive  JPewels  tii  the  (^i^icnt. 


some  choice  dish  of  food  which  she  had  saved  for 
her,  aflfectionately  asking  questions  of  her,  whilst 
Ruth  ingenuously  described  the  marked  respect  she 
had  received  from  Boaz. 

Naomi  was  astonished  when  she  heard  the  name 
of  Boaz,  and  she  ascribed  it  to  no  mere  chance  that 
Ruth  had  been  guided  to  him.  She  was  constrained 
to  give  expression  to  her  gratification,  and  she  cried, 
"Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  hath  not  left  off  his 
kindness  to  the  living  and  the  dead."  She  imparted 
to  Ruth  their  near  relationship  to  Boaz,  and  com- 
mended her  for  her  observance  of  all  he  had  told 
her ;  and  so,  on  the  morrow,  Ruth  repaired  again  to 
the  same  field,  where  she  met  with  fresh  kindness. 

It  was  not  a  mere  speculation,  or  love  of  match- 
making, which  induced  Naomi  to  set  about  schem- 
ing for  a  union  between  Ruth  and  Boaz,  but  the 
tender,  devoted  love  of  a  mother,  who,  knowing  well 
the  excellence  of  Boaz,  was  anxious  to  secure  the 
happiness  to  her  daughter  which  her  marriage  to 
him  might  secure. 

The  warmth  of  her  heart  centred  on  this 
daughter,  who  had  by  every  act  manifested  for  her- 


jpihe  J^ixy.a.z—'^nih.  79 


self  the  most  nndeviating  devotion.  It  is  well  said 
that  a  dutiful  daughter  always  makes  the  most  per- 
fect wife ;  this  Naomi  had  seen  proven,  for  as  a  wife 
to  her  son,  Ruth  had  fulfilled  the  most  strict  mi- 
nutisB  of  duty  and  devotion,  had  made  his  heart 
glad  throughout  the  whole  ten  years  of  their  mar- 
ried lives. 

Naomi,  imderstanding  what  the  Jewish  law  was, 
determined  to  use  those  means  which,  under  God's 
especial  providence,  might  result  in  so  much  benefit 
to  all.  Naomi  trusted  in  God.  Through  every  vicis- 
situde of  ill  luck  or  prosperity,  she  had  never  ceased 
to  supplicate  and  to  praise ;  and  she  had  laid  up  a 
store  of  peace  and  joy,  through  this  means,  for  her 
old  age  ;  her  mind  was  placid,  and  rested  content 
with  the  assurance  of  God's  everlasting  protection. 

Pious  beauties  mellowed  by  time  assume  a  fervid 
lustre.  Patient  endurances  had  shed  a  calm, 
steady  light  throughout  Naomi's  soul,  which  no  cir- 
cumstance of  misfortune  or  poverty  could  obscure. 
But  she  deemed  it  her  duty  to  embrace  the  means 
presented  for  the  benefit  and  comfort  of  her 
daughter,  who  was  so  deserving  and  who  was  yet  so 


So      JS[iv^  Jr^vuaXs  ni  the  <^%}^ni. 


young ;  and  she  gave  instructions  to  Ruth  which  at 
first  seemed  very  revolting  to  the  Moabitess,  for 
there  was  no  such  rule  among  her  own  people ;  her 
modesty  and  strict  sense  of  propriety  were  shocked ; 
but  as  she  had  known  Naomi  for  so  long,  as  kind  as 
her  own  mother,  and  had  perfect  faith  in  her  pru- 
dence, she  consented  to  abide  by  whatever  she 
might  tell  her,  and  she  simply  answered  :  "  All  that 
thou  sayest  unto  me  that  will  I  do." 

It  was  the  custom  of  the  Jews  when  a  marriage 
was  contemplated  between  near  relatives,  or  with 
the  widow  of  a  deceased  relative,  for  the  female  to 
steal  in  the  night-time  to  the  feet  of  the  man  and 
lay  herself  down,  drawing  the  coverlid  over  her; 
this  was  a  significant  sign  for  him  to  extend  the 
mantle  of  protection,  or  was  an  opportunity  for  her 
to  ask,  "  Give  me  thy  protection  as  a  husband." 

Judging  men  by  common  rules,  we  conclude  that 
it  is  no  mean  proof  of  chivalry  for  a  man  to  exer- 
cise his  discretion  so  far  as  to  show  no  immodest 
or  indecorous  behavior  towards  a  beautiful  woman 
who  lies  at  his  feet.  To  insure  confidence  is  to  give 
confidence,  and  the  mere  act  of  a  woman's  passively 


Pllj^  WnV^^z—^nih,  8 1 


submitting  herself  to  the  peculiar  situation  may 
possibly  arouse  the  man's  most  beautiful  sentiment 
of  honor  and  generosity. 

"  In  the  midst  of  the  night,"  as  Naomi  instructed 
Buth  to  do,  she  repaired  to  the  sleeping  apartment 
of  Boaz,  with  what  trepidation  any  modest  mind 
may  conceive,  and  laid  herself  down  at  his  feet. 

Her  beautiful  figure  palpitated  with  contending 
emotions ;  the  soft  moonlight  streaming  in  and  fall- 
ing on  her  face,  exposed  its  paleness.  She  lay 
trembling  like  an  aspen-leaf  controlled  by  the 
breeze,  until  Boaz,  awaking  in  alarm,  perceived 
who  she  was,  knew  that  she  was  acting  in  exact 
accordance  with  the  law,  and  reproved  her  not,  but 
spoke  encouragingly  and  pleasantly  to  her,  which  so 
reassured  Euth  that  she  talked  freely  to  him  of 
some  facts  in  her  life  and  history. 

The  heart  of  Boaz  was  in  his  hand,  and  willingly 

enough  he  drew  his  mantle  or  covering  over  his 

beautiful  charge  and  assured  her  of  his  willingness 

to  become  her  husband,  and  the  high  honor  he  felt 

she  would  be  conferring  upon  him.    But  there  was 

one  shadow  which  clouded  the  atmosphere  of  his 

4» 


82      ]P[ii;e  Jr^vu^Xs  xxf  ibe  ^^i^ni. 


anticipations,  the  fact  that  there  was  a  nearer  rela- 
tive, still,  than  himself,  who,  according  to  Jewish 
law,  had  a  stronger  claim  to  her  than  he  had. 

Ruth's  heart  was  stUl  with  her  dead  Mahlon,  and 
she  cherished  his  memory  most  tenderly ;  but  she 
was  discreet  as  well  as  affectionate,  and  she  judged 
that  to  do  what  her  mother-in-law  advised  was  a 
proper  rule  to  go  by,  and  she  assumed  no  prudery 
nor  affected  any  sentimentalism  which  might  reflect 
pain  or  ill  consequences  to  one  so  dear.  She  had 
had  opportunity  of  observing  the  high  tone  of  dis- 
position and  conduct  of  Boaz,  and  his  present  gen- 
erous behavior  toward  herself  was  not  without  its 
softening  tendency. 

Boaz  pledged  his  word  to  marry  Ruth  if  the  other 
kinsman  did  not  enforce  his  claim,  and  took  tender 
care  of  her  till  the  morning,  when,  careful  for 
her  reputation,  he  awakened  her  before  it  was  light 
enough  to  distinguish  one  person  from  another,  and, 
after  having  filled  her  veil  with  barley,  showed 
her  the  secret  way  out.  Naomi  nervously  awaited 
the  result  of  the  interview,  anxious  for  Boaz  to  be 
the  bridegroom  instead  of  the  other  kinsman. 


Jpthe  10.ixpei.z—^uih,  83 


The  gate  of  the  city  was  the  place  for  the  trans- 
action of  all  magisterial  business.  People  of  every 
class  and  grade  were  accustomed  to  assemble  there, 
and  when  one  wished  to  inquire  for  or  to  find 
another,  the  gate  was  the  safest  chance  wherein  to 
look.  Boaz  found  this  other  relative  of  Naomi's 
there,  and  made  known  to  him  the  business  of 
Naomi  and  Ruth. 

This  relative,  owing  to  some  nice  technicality, 
could  not  properly  become  the  husband  of  Euth, 
but  he  bought  Naomi's  claim  to  a  field  of  ground 
and  transferred  his  right  of  husband  to  Boaz. 

With  joy  irradiating  his  countenance,  his  heart 
beating  in  time  to  his  happy  thoughts,  Bcaz  repaired 
to  Naomi's  house,  related  the  result  of  his  interview 
with  the  kinsman,  and  handed  over  to  her  her  just 
inheritance,  the  money  for  her  land.  Naomi  kissed 
him,  fell  upon  his  neck  and  wept  for  very  joy. 

Sweet  must  have  been  this  realization  of  her  fond 
hopes  for  the  success  and  prosperity  of  her  beloved 
Buth,  and  she  praised  the  Lord  that  he  had  done 
her  so  much  good  now  that  the  hairs  of  her  head 
were  all  white  and  her  life  was  in  its  sear  leaf. 


84       ^ixre  3^ewel8  tti  tb$  ©t^iant. 


Sbe  feelingly  related  to  her  cousin  how  faithfully 
Kuth  had  acted  toward  her.  She  described  the 
various  evidences  of  her  noble,  virtuous,  and  con- 
stant nature,  displayed  in  the  different  relations  of 
life  and  departments  of  social  obligation.  First  she 
spoke  of  her,  a  young  girl  of  heathenish  religion, 
her  chaste  regard  of  outward  proprieties;  she  told 
him  that  though  Euth's  parents  would  have  in- 
dulged any  extravagant  whim,  yet  she  never  pre- 
sumed upon  their  generosity  to  extort  extra  jewels 
or  articles  of  dress ;  that  she  ran  into  no  excesses 
which  some  of  the  ceremonies  belonging  to  their 
feasts  justified. 

She  then  descanted  upon  her  virtues  as  a  wife  ; 
how  she  had,  immediately  on  her  marriage  to 
Mahlon,  embraced  his  religion;  for  his  sake  had 
stood  the  scorn  of  her  teachers  ;  had  made  his  faith 
her  faith,  its  practices  her  pleasure,  and  thus 
secured  a  double  bond  between  them  In  all  of  her 
wifely  duties  she  had  displayed  the  most  cheerful 
acquiescence,  the  keenest  discrimination,  and  the 
most  ingenious  economy. 

Naomi  told  Boaz  all  this  and  more  of  the  perfec- 


Plbe  ]pl0p:a2:— ;]^utlj.  85 


tions  of  Kuth.  She  descanted  upon  her  conduct 
under  adversity  when  affliction  and  poverty  assailed 
Mahlon,  when  all  the  manifold  tribulations  of  re- 
verses were  heaped  upon  his  head.  When  every 
vestige  of  property  was  swept  off,  and  day  by  day 
they  became  poorer,  Ruth  never  uttered  a  word  of 
complaint  or  repined  at  the  personal  discomfort  to 
which  she  was  subjected,  but  was  ever  cheerful,  and 
gave  to  the  meagre  aspect  of  their  humbled  home  a 
general  glory  by  her  consistent  good-temper  and 
easy  adaptation  of  herself  to  the  circumstance  of 
the  hour  and  her  ready  expediency  in  averting  an- 
noyances. 

When  Mahlon's  anxiety  for  an  heir  increased,  she 
with  patient  sweetness  reminded  him,  from  his  own 
scriptural  history,  of  Sara,  who  had  a  child  in  her 
old  age,  playfully  suggesting  that  when  they  became 
vnser  God  would  give  them  children.  Naomi  said 
she  knew  that  Ruth's  barrenness  had  been  a  source 
of  private  mortification  to  her,  but  that  she  had 
never  sought  to  cast  the  fault  upon  her  husband,  or 
complained  of  injustice  from  God. 

Naomi  told  Boaz  of  the  untiring  fidelity  of  Ruth 


86       ^ire  JlreweU  txi  the  ^Xii^ni. 


to  her  husband  during  his  long  illness;  of  the 
sacred  reverence  with  which  she  bowed  her  head  to 
Almighty  God  under  the  terrible  dispensation  of  his 
death,  and  of  her  inimitable  devotion  and  beautiful 
deportment  to  herself  since  she  was  made  a  widow ; 
and  declared  that  Ruth  fulfilled  to  the  letter 
another  proverb  :  "  The  heart  of  her  husband  doth 
safely  trust  in  her  so  that  he  shall  have  no  need  of 
spoil." 

The  heart  of  Boaz  swelled  with  delightful  emo- 
tions at  this  description  of  Kuth's  perfections,  and 
his  fine  face,  beautiful  in  shape  and  feature,  glowed 
with  the  reflection  of  genuine  appreciation.  Love 
controlled  him,  and  the  god  painted  his  image  in  his 
eyes  when,  at  the  close  of  Naomi's  speech,  Euth, 
unexpectedly  appearing,  beheld  him. 

Bashful  still  and  timid,  she  sensitivel}'  shrunk 
back,  as  a  rose  beneath  the  full  glare  of  the  sun, 
made  a  reverence,  and  was  about  to  retire,  when 
Naomi  called  to  her  and  said,  "  Nay,  my  daughter, 
thou  needest  not  be  shamefaced,  but  come  forward 
and  receive  the  hand  of  him  who  is  to  be  thy  hus- 
band ;"  and  Euth,  with   the  simplicity  of   perfect 


Plhe  Plujta^— ;KlutlJ.  87 


obedience  which  she  always  accorded  to  her  mother- 
in-law,  did  as  she  was  requested,  gracefully  came 
forward  and  stood  before  Boaz.  He  extended  his 
hand,  drew  her  toward  him,  kissed  her;  took  a 
ring  and  placed  it  upon  her  finger,  and  bestowed 
many  kind  and  affectionate  assurances  of  his  devo- 
tion and  intentions  for  the  future. 

Of  course  she  went  no  more  into  the  fields,  but 
commenced  to  get  ready  for  the  celebration  of  her 
nuptials. 

Do  not  let  our  readers  suppose  that  Ruth  had 
forgot  Mahlon.  She  could  not  forget  what  had 
come  into  the  soft,  tender,  springtime  of  her  life ; 
his  memory  was  indelibly  printed  on  the  walls  of 
her  heart,  and  no  other  or  more  recent  impression 
could  ever  obliterate  it ;  but  as  over  old  and  great 
pictures  are  sometimes  laid  fresh  coats,  so  Buth 
took  into  her  affections  a  second  love,  through 
which  the  lines  of  the  first  might  again  be  ex- 
pressed. 

It  is  so  especially  woman's  nature  to  love,  that 
Ruth  experienced  the  want  which  her  husband's 
death  had  created ;  the  void  was  there,  and  to  wish 


88      ;Kwe  y^urels  ixi  the  ®t^i$tit. 


to  fill  it,  with  as  perfect  representation  of  its  first 
object  as  was  possible,  was  natural;  she  shrunk 
from  a  lonely  path,  felt  the  necessity  of  a  strong 
arm  to  lean  on  in  her  weakness ;  and  when  she 
realized  that  she  was  the  subject  of  a  man's  love, 
whom  she  knew  to  be  superior  in  imparting 
strength,  consolation,  and  changeless  sympathy ;  a 
friend  who  would  not  forsake  her,  never  leave  her 
lonely,  but  who  would  diffuse  pleasure  and  comfort 
over  her  path,  and  that  through  her  happiness 
Naomi  would  also  be  blessed,  she  not  only  accepted 
Boaz  cheerfully,  but  joyfully. 

She  could  not  forget  the  sensation  which  his  first 
words  occasioned  her,  when  her  tender  feet  were 
wounded  by  the  stubble  of  the  fields,  her  delicate 
hands  were  burning  beneath  their  unusual  occupa- 
tions, her  pure  brow  scorched  by  the  rays  of  the 
sun,  her  eyes  brimming  with  tears,  her  lips  quiver- 
ing with  pent-up  anxiety,  and  her  heart  sorely 
oppressed  with  a  sense  of  her  dependence  and  utter 
loneliness  (for  she  was  a  stranger  among  the  hand- 
maidens, who  were  of  different  kind) — she  could  not 
forget  how  kindly  he  then  spoke  and  attended  to 


jphe  iPxipa^!— ;]^utb;.  89 


her  wants.    Words  are  great  things  when  spoten 
under  some  circumstances,  and 

There's  never  a  word  that  has  been  told 
Which,  spoken  through  a  spirit  cold 
Or  warm,  has  ever  yet  been  lost 
It  either  sighs  and  tears  has  cost, 
Smiles  and  pleasant  fancies  brought. 
Or  lessons  of  great  love  has  taught 

JL  word  I  why  'tis  as  mighty  as  a  fire 
Of  great  proportion ;  in  its  ire 
Burning  out  all  the  gladdest  things 
That  rich  enthusiasm  brings, 
Heaping  ashes  where  ambition  grew, 
Where  hope  was — leaving  grief— in  lien. 

A  word  has  crushed  the  tender  bloom 
Of  love ;  has  hastened  to  a  doom 
Obscure  sweet  aspiration,  and 
In  stifling  eveiy  keen  demand 
For  human  sympathy,  has  laid 
Ground  for  misanthropy  instead. 

Again,  a  single  word  reversed 
Has  copious  streams  afresh  coerced. 
Toward  all  that  fills  the  widest  scope 
Of  Joy>  philanthropy,  and  hope ; 


90      ;E{ive  jewels  xxf  the  ^vi^nU 


Has  turned  a  widow's  drooping  weed 
To  consolation's  richest  meed ; 

Has  crushed  to  atoms  grim  despair 
And  from  the  ruins  built  things  rare ; 
Has  scattered  to  the  winds  mistrust, 
And  wove  a  fabric  of  stanch  trust; 
Has  harmonized,  and  humanized,  and  fed 
A  soul,  till  up  to  heaven  'twas  led. 

Words  were  of  consequence  to  Ruth,  for  they 
gave  her  flagging  spirit  a  new  impetus,  and  opened 
a  volume  of  bright  thoughts  where  before  had 
merely  existed  the  shut  book  of  endurance.  Kind 
words  came  hke  dew  to  the  parched  flower,  the  sun 
to  the  frozen  rill,  the  mother's  breast  to  the  babe, 
and  food  to  the  hungry. 

Never  before  had  she  looked  more  lovely  than 
now.  Exercise  in  the  open  air  had  created  a  rosy 
bloom  in  her  cheek,  and  her  mouth,  so  purely  the 
index  of  her  feelings,  reflected  sweet  content.  Her 
eyes  sparkled  with  unusual  brilliancy,  and  her 
beautifully-shaped  throat  seemed  raised  with  a  new 
dignity. 

Boaz    proclaimed    to  the    people,   and    all    the 


Plhe  Jpltxpaz— ^K^uth.  9 1 


elders,  the  fact  of  his  purchase  of  Naomi's  land  and 
of  his  betrothal  to  Euth.  He  received  the  con- 
gratulations of  all,  and  the  elders  and  the  people 
bore  witness  joyfully,  and  prayed  that  the  Lord 
would  make  the  woman  whom  he  had  chosen  like 
Bachel  and  Leah,  who  had  built  up  the  house  of 
Israel,  and  that  he  himself  might  "  do  worthily  in 
Ephratah  and  be  famous  in  Bethlehem."  After  the 
allotted  season  of  waiting,  Boaz  and  Buth  were 
married. 

It  was  in  the  season  when  the  fruit  hung  mellow 
with  ripeness,  luscious  with  the  juices  of  perfect- 
ness ;  when  the  birds  fledged  in  the  spring  were  now 
matrons  themselves ;  the  lambkins  that  sported 
were  nearly  full  grown ;  and  the  season  itself  felt 
that  it  had  served  its  time,  had  fulfilled  its  part,  and 
was  ready  to  lay  by  its  rich  mantle  of  crimson  and 
gold,  and  retire. 

On  one  morning,  cloudless  and  balmy,  during  the 
autumn,  their  nuptials  were  solemnized,  and  the  bride 
fulfilled  another  proverb  ;  "  Strength  and  honor  are 
her  clothing,  and  she  shall  rejoice  in  time  to  come.'* 

There  was  much  feasting  and  rejoicing  attending 


92      ]i\ii;3  Jr^vc^Xs  xif  the  ^ti^ni. 


the  occasion.  The  beautiful,  serene,  meek- eyed 
Buth  was  the  delight  of  all  eyes,  and  especially  was 
she  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  Naomi's  heart,  which 
had  seen  of  Ruth's  perfections  of  character,  and 
rejoiced  in  her  deserved  reward. 

Peace  and  plenty  were  again  their  portion,  for 
Boaz  was  "A  man  who  was  mighty  and  rich." 
Naomi  had  apartments  in  his  household,  which 
Ruth  delighted  to  adorn,  and  many  a  day  of  calm 
reflection  had  Naomi.  She  often  sat  at  decline  of 
day  and  watched  the  sunset  gild  the  fields  with  its 
last  lingering  glance,  blessing  the  world  even  as  it 
went  out ;  and  we  may  liken  Naomi's  silver  tresses 
scattered  over  the  aged  brow  to  snow  upon  an  old- 
time  open  page ;  her  dim  eyes  to  windows  between 
two  worlds  with  veils  spread  upon  them.  Her  bent 
figure  was  the  living  monument  of  human  decay; 
her  hands,  still  busied  in  some  needlework,  tran- 
scripts of  the  everlasting  principle  of  will ;  and  she 
seemed,  her  very  self,  to  resemble  the  waning  sun- 
light; for  with  her  influence  of  perfect  love  and 
goodness  she  illuminated  and  glorified  all  around  as 
she  dechned  toward  the  tomb. 


Jplha  l^txp^z—^nih.  93 


No  studied  phraseology  can  ever  measure  the 
estimate  of  true  virtue ;  it  is  its  own  definition,  and 
shapes  its  own  destinies.  Good  works  are  followed 
by  great  ends,  and  noble  action  is  rooted  where 
time,  nor  rust,  nor  tempest  can  ever  unsettle  it. 

The  lessons  that  Euth  had  learned  in  her  hours 
of  misfortune  and  poverty  were  the  groundwork  of 
deeds  of  charity,  patient  forbearance,  and  love, 
which  her  munificent  means  now  enabled  her  to 
eflfect.  Her  life  she  determined  to  make  a  practical 
fulfillment  of  these  obligations,  applied  as  well  to 
the  most  trivial  as  to  the  greatest  opportunities. 

She  ordered  her  household  well,  and  pursued 
with  her  own  hands  many  domestic  avocations,  and 
verified  still  another  problem  :  "  She  looketh  well  to 
the  ways  of  her  household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread 
of  idleness.'* 

Throughout  Naomi's  adversity  Ruth  had  clung  to 
her ;  now  Naomi  clung  to  Ruth,  and  she  was  sought 
after,  admired,  and  emulated  by  her  husband's  rela- 
tions. Boaz  was  a  fond  and  devoted  husband,  and 
refused  nothing  to  Ruth  and  Naomi. 

At  last  the  beautiful  dream  was  realized ;  the 


94       Kivc  Jr^vsaU  ni  the  ®  ricut. 


secret  sweet  wish  of  all  true  women's  and  true 
wives'  minds  was  realized  to  Ruth;  she  had  con- 
ceived ;  the  beautiful  development  in  her  nature 
was  revealed ;  the  germ  which  is  so  sacredly 
wrapped  in  woman's  organism  was  set  to  pulse,  for 
she  felt  the  sweet  joy  that  the  babe  was  leaping  in 
her  womb.  Motherhood !  'tis  the  baptism  of  God, 
the  consecration  of  angels,  and  the  culmination  of 
every  perfect  desire. 

When  the  full  time  for  her  delivery  was  come, 
and  Naomi  and  Boaz  anxiously  awaited  the  result, 
from  the  crisis  the  most  joyful  of  sounds,  an  infant's 
first  manifestation  of  intelligent  existence,  a  feeble 
wail  was  heard,  and  a  "  man-child,"  it  was  told  by 
the  attendants  to  Boaz,  had  been  born.  Ruth 
thrived ;  the  infant  was  called  Obed,  and  became 
grandfather  to  David. 

Naomi  took  the  child  to  her  bosom,  constituted 
herself  its  nurse,  and  thus  relieved  Ruth  of  the 
anxieties  incidental  to  having  strange  nurses. 
Every  mother  will  appreciate  this  great  favor,  of 
having  her  first  child  especially  cared  for  by  as 
lovinff  and  more  exoerienced  hands  than  her  own. 


J^Iilhe  Plapaz— Jituih.  95 


herself  relieved  of  all  anxiety  during  the  perilous 
four  weeks  subsequent  to  parturition.  A  young 
mother  is  blest  who  has  such  a  friend  as  Naomi  to 
relieve  her  of  the  charge,  one  whom  she  can  so 
freely  trust  to  foster  in  her  own  bosom  the  young 
fibre  of  a  new  existence,  the  "  baby,"  the  mother's 
first-born. 

How  touching !  how  sublime !  the  whole  history 
of  Ruth  and  Naomi  is  throughout.  The  fact  of  the 
women  of  Israel  coming  to  congratulate  Naomi  on 
the  birth  of  her  grandchild,  and  making  her  especial 
joy  the  common  interest  of  all,  rejoicing  that 
"  Naomi  had  a  grandson ;"  the  incident  of  their 
bringing  evergreen  to  plant  upon  her  brow,  the 
symbol  of  the  springing  of  a  live  branch  from  the 
old  stock,  was  touching,  and  all  joined  in  the  chant : 
"  Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  hath  not  left  thee  this 
day  without  a  kinsman,  that  his  name  may  be  famous 
in  Israel,  and  he  shall  be  unto  thee  a  restorer  of 
life  and  a  nourisher  of  thine  old  age,  for  thy 
daughter-in-law,  who  loveth  thee  and  who  is  better  to 
thee  than  seven  sons,  hath  borne  him." 

In  the  character  of  Ruth  every  woman  of  this  day 


96       ]B\ii;fi  Jfewels  txi  the  ^^v^iant 


may  find  volumes  of  excellence  which  they  may  do 
well  to  copy.  Virtue  has  double  and  triple  mean- 
ings, is  full,  running  over,  and  exhaustless ;  is  a 
garment  which  may  be  fitted  to  all  who  will  try  to 
wear  it.  Perfection  is  attainable,  or  Christ  Jesus 
would  not  have  exhorted  his  disciples  and  audiences 
to  secure  it.  Constancy  is  like  the  sweet  odors 
pressed  from  scented  flowers,  and  when  applied  like 
Eiuth's,  is  the  incense  that  Heaven  approves. 

Industry  will  not  only  reap  barley-grains,  but  will 
gamer  results  in  the  storehouse  of  immortality. 

Love  sanctifies,  exalts,  and  completes  a  woman's 
character,  whether  it  is  spread  as  a  mantle  of  charity 
for  general  good  or  is  fixed  in  its  most  subtle  refine- 
ment upon  a  worthy  husband ;  and  when,  like 
Ruth's,  it  is  coupled  with  self-sacrifice,  endurance, 
and  piety,  will  be  a  crown  of  glory,  the  highest  gift 
that  can  deck  a  man's  life. 

Marriage,  when  a  true  union  of  souls,  is  the  per- 
fect fulfillment  of  the  law  of  unison  in  nature  which 
sympathetic  qualities  must  fulfill. 

Perfect  fitness  makes  perfect  concord,  which  is  the 
culmination  of  the  divinest  attributes  in  either  sex, 


Jplhe  W^P^z—^nih.  97 


and  must  create  a  condition  of  happiness  which  is 
desirable,  sacred,  good,  and  superior  in  delight  to 
all  other  blisses. 

Ruth  stood  among  the  women  of  her  day 
As  one  star  in  the  milky  way, 
Prominent  from  a  thousand  others 
Of  maids  and  daughters,  wives  and  mothers. 

As  a  MAIDEN,  she  hecame  her  lot, 
And  graced  her  age ;  she  ne'er  forgot 
That  violets  bloom  the  sweetest  where 
The  modest  shade  shuts  off  the  glare. 

As  DAUGHTBK,  she  was  satisfied  to  bend 
Her  will  unto  her  mother's,  nor  pretend 
To  rule ;  she  knew  that  when  an  angel  stoops. 
It  is  to  bless  the  head  that  droops. 

As  siSTEB,  she  combined  the  graces 
Of  true  virtue,  and  as  sunshine  chases 
Mist  away,  her  genial  temper  chased 
Discord ;  and  pleasure  in  its  stead  placed. 

As  WIFE,  all  that  the  daughter  promised 
She  fulfilled,  and  none  the  fact  resist; 
The  wisest  daughter  makes  the  truest  wife, 
Crowns  man  with  his  best  gift  in  life. 


98      ^ixT3  Jr^m^U  txi  the  (^t^imxi. 


As  MOTHER,  the  angels  came  and  stood 
About  her — ^helped  to  every  good. 
And  happy  the  son  must  be,  in  truth, 
Whose  mother  patterns  after  Ruth. 


III. 

ESTHEE. 

[HE  Persians,  a  people  of  the  acutest 
susceptibilities,  impression al,  impas- 
sioned, and  enthusiastic,  contemplated  the 
beautiful  through  an  exaggerative  lens, 
caught  from  the  poetical  every  available 
ray  of  loveliness  or  shadow  of  romance, 
and  adorned  their  secular  occupations  with  ideality 
and  imagery. 

The  beautiful  was  suggested  and  applied  in  their 
peculiar  symbolical  manner  to  proper  names,  espe- 
cially of  females,  and  the  name  of  Esther  had  the 
splendid  significance  of  a  beacon — q.  halo — a  glory 


I02     ^it;e  J^ewcU  ni  the  ^>r{i^ni. 


— something  which  was  superlative  in  goodness  and 
grandeur,  and  its  definite  meaning  was  "  A  Star." 

Astrologists  existed  amongst  them,  and,  in  the 
days  of  Aiiaxerxes,  were  famous  for  determining  the 
destiny  of  men  and  women  by  the  signs  of  the  zodiac 
and  the  stars  that  governed  their  nativity.  Through 
this  mystical  prophecy  it  is  supposable  that  the  fate 
of  the  Jewish  maiden  Hadassah  was  described. 

Astrologers,  at  her  birth,  foretold  to  the  anxious 
parents  that  their  babe  was  bom  for  high  honors ; 
that  she  should  wear  a  diadem,  and  share  the  royal 
sceptre ;  that  she  would  shine  among  the  constella- 
tions of  rank,  a  "  star"  of  the  first  magnitude,  promi- 
nent through  histories  of  civilized  and  barbaric 
ages. 

And  when,  years  after,  the  significant  appellative 
Esther  was  bestowed  upon  her  by  the  Persians,  it 
was  but  a  continuation  of  the  prophecy  which  was 
realized  when  she  became  the  consort  of  Ahasuerus, 
the  sharer  of  a  throne. 

Hadassah,  a  daughter  of  Israel,  was  a  descendant 
of  Benjamin,  of  the  house  of  Kish,  the  family  of  Saul, 
who  was  the  first  king  of  Israel.     At  a  tender  age 


Jplhe  p^iamtxwd — Esther.       103 


she  was  left  an  orphan,  and  was  adopted  by  Mor- 
decai,  a  Jew  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin — one  of  the 
ten  tribes — who  faithfully  adhered  to  the  house  of 
Judah. 

He  delighted  to  bestow  all  that  his  riches  and 
position  could  secure  upon  this  tender  bud  that 
he  had  taken  to  the  nursery  of  his  love ;  she 
was  reared  in  refinement,  and  also  in  the  strictest 
observance  of  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the 
Jewish  religion.  She  knew  no  God  but  the  great 
Jehovah,  the  God  of  her  forefathers.  The  rough 
winds  of  hardship  never  assailed  her,  her  delicate 
hands  were  unused  to  a  single  menial  service,  for 
she,  as  well  as  Mordecai,  were  of  noble  race,  and 
inherited  great  wealth. 

During  her  childhood,  she  was  designated  as 
"  the  hvehj"  on  account  of  her  gentleness  and  the 
peculiarly  amiable  traits  of  character  which  she 
manifested,  and  it  was  a  sight  which  a  painter 
might  have  been  proud  to  portray,  when  Mordecai, 
after  being  fatigued  with  the  services  of  the  taber- 
nacle, would  bow  his  proud  head  to  the  shoulder 
of  his  little  charge,  and  drink  in  rest  through  her 


104     ;KiiJB  Jr^vy^Xs  ni  the  ®i^ieni. 


sweet  and  intelligent  prattle.  At  these  times  they 
sat  together  on  a  divan,  his  great  form  contrasting 
with  her  tiny  figure  as  her  little  hands  clasped  his 
head  against  her,  she  assuring  him  that  it  was  not 
too  heavy,  but  that  it  was  a  pleasure  and  delight  to 
hold  it  there. 

The  charm  of  her  society  grew  with  her  growth 
and  strengthened  with  her  years.  Throughout 
their  subsequent  captivity,  which  occurred  in  her 
early  life,  and  through  every  vicissitude  of  trial  or 
elation,  she  preserved  the  same  cheerful  obedience 
and  Avillingness  to  serve  him,  and  his  devotion  to 
her  was  very  great. 

She  passed  the  usual  courses  of  education  com- 
mon to  Jewish  maidens  of  rank,  expanded  from  one 
perfection  to  another  into  the  half-grown  woman, 
amidst  the  most  luxurious  scenes  that  her  high 
position  imposed. 

Mordecai,  a  man  in  whom  many  virtues  were  em- 
bodied, was  of  middle  age  when  first  introduced  in 
sacred  history,  of  fine  personal  appearance,  and 
exceedingly  beautiful  features.  He  seems  to  have 
had  the  contrasts  of  equalities  which  are  necessary 


3^lic  ^j^iamond— "Mstber.       io5 


to  make  up  the  sum  of  the  most  perfect  man,  gentle 
but  firm,  generous,  and  yielding  to  softness  where 
his  finer  emotions  were  called  out,  yet  unflinching 
in  his  sense  of  honor  where  duty  demanded  him  to 
be  stern  ;  humble  and  affectionate  under  justice,  yet 
haughty  almost  to  scornfulness  where  his  dignity 
was  insulted  or  his  honesty  impugned ;  loving,  self- 
sacrificing,  fastidious  yet  abstemious,  passionate  but 
temperate.  An  enthusiast  to  his  religion,  he  recog- 
nized no  heresy,  and  tolerated  no  heathen  worship. 

He  had  been  constant  always  in  his  attachments, 
and  when  he  and  his  charge,  the  young  Hadassah, 
Vjecame  exiles,  and  their  fortunes  so  materially 
changed  that  they  had  necessarily  to  live  in  a  re- 
tired, economical  manner,  he  became  grateful  to  the 
country  of  his  adoption  which  had  sheltered  him, 
and  he  preferred  to  remain  in  Persia  even  after 
many  of  his  expatriated  countrymen  had  returned 
to  their  native  land. 

He  received  his  own  intuitions  as  prophecies,  and 
whatever  he  conceived  to  be  the  will  of  God,  deliv- 
ered in  this  way,  he  unhesitatingly  obeyed.  Believ- 
ing   that    the    august    eye    of     Omnipotence    was 

6* 


io6     ^itre  Jr^w^Xs  txi  ih^  <^tti:ettt. 


reflected  through  his  perceptions,  he  made  every  act 
and  event  of  his  life  one  of  active  piety. 

Purple  and  fine  linen,  beauty  and  luxury,  had 
been  the  conditions  of  their  lives  when  Mordecai 
and  Hadassah  came  to  live  in  Shushan,  the  City  of 
the  Lilies.  In  the  mind  of  the  naturally  refined, 
contact  with  coarse  objects,  or  the  conditions  in- 
duced by  penury,  must  be  and  is  disagreeable,  and 
no  one  who  is  versed  in  physiology  can  dispute  that 
externals  do  affect  the  interior  or  soul  sense  of  the 
individual.  To  the  delicately-nurtured  Jew  and 
Jewess,  this  reverse  from  affluence  to  penury  must 
have  brought  the  usual  disagreeables,  inconve- 
niences, and  painful  restrictions  ;  yet,  like  the  lustre 
of  a  genuine  diamond,  which,  though  it  may  be 
covered  with  clay,  still  retains  its  brightness,  their 
qualities  of  rare  virtue  existed  amidst  the  obscurity 
of  broken  fortunes  and  conflicting  opposites,  and 
their  lives  were  glorified  by  the  performance  of 
such  deeds  of  goodness  as  their  intrinsic  merit 
dictated. 

At  the  age  of  twenty,  Esther  was  a  perfect  model 
of   physical   proportions,   complexion,   graces,   and 


Jplhe  '^J^i&^mnn^—J^dih^v,       107 


charms,  with  the  unmistakable  expression  of  soul 
nohility,  of  virtue  in  its  every  aspect  portrayed  in 
her  speaking  countenance.  Beautiful  expression  is 
always  indispensable  in  glorifying  the  human  coun- 
tenance, and  in  this  particular  she  was  pre-eminent- 
ly gifted. 

Her  figure,  symmetrical  yet  somewhat  voluptu- 
ous, was  over  medium  height,  her  skin  of  that  fair 
type  of  Jewish  olive  through  which  the  blue  vein  is 
discernible ;  her  eyes  were  pictures  in  which  the 
emotions  of  her  soul  were  fairly  limned,  changing 
to  every  shade  and  phase  of  feeling  that  impulse 
dictated.  She  was  strangely  beautiful.  If  we 
summed  up  all  the  graces  of  Venus  and  Juno,  and 
planted  them  in  her  person,  we  should  not  be  ex- 
travagant in  our  description. 

The  most  beautiful  of  her  characteristics  was  her 
piety,  observed  in  the  minutest  events  of  every-day 
life ;  she  worshipped  God  and  conformed  to  the 
rights  of  her  faith,  so  that  their  actual  practice 
seemed  to  be  the  involuntary  or  spontaneous  fitting 
of  the  work  to  the  natural  principle,  the  outward 
evidence  of  the  inward  mind.      Her  religion  was 


io8     ^ivfs  J?BVC^Xs  ni  the  ^>titni. 


not  a  burden,  but  an  embellishment,  and  was 
adapted  as  component  with  herself. 

The  very  God  was  the  object  of  her  worship,  and 
her  cousin  Mordecai  was  to  her  the  perfect  man 
who  represented  the  God-qualities  in  human  form. 
To  all  devotional  minds  the  object  which  most  nobly 
sustains  the  principles  of  its  religion,  exalts,  by  a 
contemplation  of  it,  the  soul  up  to  its  Author. 

As  all  virtues  exist  in  a  truly  pious  woman,  we 
with  consistency  sum  up  Esther's  charms,  graces, 
and  qualities  in  that  comprehensive  term,  "  a  truly 
pious  woman  ;"  and  we  may  suppose  her,  from  the 
period  in  her  history  which  we  next  introduce,  sub- 
lime enough  in  her  character  to  cope  with  the  great 
events  incidental  to  the  second  crisis  of  her  life, 
her  promotion  from  obscurity  to  notoriety;  strong 
enough  to  bear  the  adulation  of  a  thousand,  and  not 
become  vain ;  to  mix  with  the  rival  wives  of  a  royal 
husband,  and  yet  to  be  superior  to  the  weakness  of 
jealousy  and  envy ;  to  be  wise  enough  to  withstand 
flattery,  and  to  bear  blame. 

We,  in  order  to  be  clearly  understood,  shall  have 
to  give  some   account  of  other  characters,  whose 


Khfi  ;]©iamtxnd — J^sther.       109 


fortunes  and  destinies  go  so  far  toward  determin- 
ing events  of  chances  and  changes,  precursorilj  to 
Esther's  ascension  to  the  throne. 

Shushan,  the  City  of  the  Lilies,  was  the  seat  of 


PERSIAN  HOUSE  AT  SHUSHAN. 


royalty ;  it  took  its  poetic  name  from  the  vast  quan- 
tities of  this  beautiful  flower  which  grew  around  it ; 
in  the  city,  on  the  housetops,  and  everywhere  that 


I  lo     ^ivx)  Jewels  ni  the  (^j-iettt. 


there  was  room  for  a  bulb  to  be  planted,  this  grace- 
ful flower  flourished. 

Florists  had  been  able  to  extend  the  species  into 
many  varieties ;  the  tinted,  the  blood-red,  and  the 
snow-white  grew  also  on  the  brink  of  the  water,  and 
may  have  formed  some  part  of  their  mythological 
worships. 

Shushan,  as  a  royal  residence,  was  like  all  other 
similar  cities  of  the  East.  It  had  the  usual  admix- 
ture of  pomp  and  penury,  of  gayety  and  pageantry, 
miHtary  and  civil,  refinement  and  vulgarity.  The 
theatre,  patronized  by  the  king,  was  represented  in 
mimic  pantomime  on  the  street  by  the  ballet-dancer, 
singing-girl,  and  clown  in  bells  and  cleaver ;  the 
august  person  of  the  king  jostling  the  pauper ;  po- 
litical intrigue  and  amours ;  kingly  retinue,  celebra- 
tions of  religion,  which  granted  license  to  crime  and 
gave  expiation  for  the  same.  Dice,  wine,  music, 
the  buffoon,  the  show,  each  and  all  were  the  com- 
ponent parts  of  life  in  Shushan. 

Just  the  same  life  and  occupation  which  have 
through  all  ages  made  up  the  sum  of  existence, 
have  been  subject  to  the  same  process  of  change, 


Jplho  ]J©iamxirni — ^l^sthet^.       1 1 1 


undergone  the  different  degrees  of  refinement  and 
variety  of  manner,  incident,  episode,  and  catas- 
trophe, from  the  earliest  accounts  of  nations  up  to 
the  present  time,  have  been  repeated  and  re-re- 
peated at  different  periods,  all  and  each  completing 
the  requirements  of  their  time ;  filling  the  imagina- 
tion and  suiting  the  wants  of  man,  which,  under 
every  dynasty,  are  still  human. 

The  splendor  and  squalor,  aristocracy  and  medi- 
ocrity that  existed  in  the  days  of  Ahasuerus  had 
been  common  under  other  administrations,  and  in 
the  great  changing  panorama  of  men's  lives  and 
centuric  possibilities  will  be  still  and  again  repeated, 
although  mutations  in  public  opinions  and  custom 
sometimes  overleap  time,  and  new  laws  are  enforced 
which  seem  almost  miraculous  in  development. 

Throughout  all  barbarous  or  unenlightened  ages 
woman  has  been  held  subordinate  to  man ;  the  wife 
has  been  subject  in  toto  to  the  will  of  her  lord,  and 
her  husband,  whether  a  prophet,  king,  or  peasant, 
was  in  reality  her  master.  Any  attempt  on  her  part 
to  resist  his  authority  or  to  declare  her  individual 
opinion  was  considered  an  outrage  against  the  sov- 


ii2     Jff^iv^  jewels  ni  the  i^n^ni. 


ereign  authority  of  his  will  and  dignity,  and  was 
just  cause  for  divorce,  and  sometimes  even  the 
severe  punishment  of  death. 

Kings,  lords,  counsellors,  and  prophets  had  more 
wives  than  one,  and  the  king,  not  only  having  some 
hundred  lawfully-married  wives,  had  also  numerous 
mistresses,  or  concubines. 

Ahasuerus  crowned  and  made  queen  one  of  his 
wives,  whom  he  placed  in  royal  apartments  and 
gave  maids  of  honor  from  the  fair  women  of  his 
harem,  who  were  also  his  wives  yet  not  his  queen. 

Of  course  the  queen's  power  was  but  nominal,  and 
except  in  her  own  province,  the  secluded  apartments 
of  the  harem,  where  no  man  but  those  who  were 
eunuchs  ever  went,  she  had  no  voice,  and  was  sub- 
ject to  the  caprices  of  the  king ;  though  sometimes 
monarchs  took  to  their  councils  their  queens,  and 
were  aided  in  their  judicial  policy  by  their  advice. 

Women  of  rank  wore  veils  which  effectually  con- 
cealed their  faces  whenever  they  went  into  the 
streets  or  public  places,  and  on  no  account  whatever 
were  they  expected  to  reveal  their  features ;  any 
Buch  display  would  have  been  a  gross  violation  of 


Jplhe  p^iamxxnd — ^l^sthett.       1 1 3 


the  r  flies  of  modesty,  and  as  sure  an  advertisement 
of  prostitution  as  now  it  would  be  for  a  woman  to 
parade  her  nude  figure  before  the  common  gaze. 

Only  before  the  face  of  her  lord  dared  she  remove 
the  thick  covering,  and  reveal  the  charms  of  her 
eyes,  the  blush  of  her  cheek,  the  ripeness  of  her 
lip,  or  the  contour  of  her  neck  and  arms.  How 
particularly  an  object  of  scorn  would  Vashti  have 
considered  our  modern  belle,  who,  with  perfect  pro- 
priety, displays  in  the  ball-room,  to  the  indiscrim- 
inate gaze  of  crowds,  the  charms  of  neck  and 
shouldera 

Our  modem  woman  pities  no  more  her  Eastern 
sister  who  has  to  share  the  affections  of  one  hus- 
band with  many  wives,  than  that  sister  would  sor- 
row over  her  supposed  immodesty  in  showing  her 
face  to  any  man  except  her  husband;  thus  virtue 
or  vice,  modesty  or  the  reverse,  prudery  or  inde- 
pendence, are  at  last  comparative,  and  are  compati- 
ble or  incompatible  with  the  customs  and  usages  of 
the  times  we  live  in. 

True  modesty,  which  shines  out  through  the  soul, 
is  always  the  most  desirable  feature  in  the  galaxy 


114    'Wyiv^  J^^WBis  ixi  ib$  ^vi^ni. 


of  woman's  virtues,  and  is  the  pearl  of  great  price, 
which  no  custom  of  barbaric  age  or  of  recent  eman- 
cipation can  sully,  obliterate,  or  alter ;  and  is  recog- 
nizable in  all  colors,  stages,  and  ages. 

There  is  recorded  that  about  the  time  of  the  third 
year  of  Ahasuerus,  the  city  of  Shushan  was  fervid 
with  excitement  in  anticipation  of  an  unsurpassed 
festival  which  would  be  given  to  the  princes  and 
nobles  and  to  all  the  people,  which  was  to  last  for 
several  successive  months.  All  of  the  varied  para- 
phernaha  that  the  coffers  of  the  royal  treasury  could 
afford,  the  taste  of  merchants,  the  design  of  artists, 
and  the  ingenuity  of  the  architect,  were  called  into 
requisition  to  beautify  and  adorn  the  palace  and 
courts,  and  every  avenue  to  the  royal  mansion. 

The  result  was,  that  never  before  had  so  gorgeous 
a  scene  been  displayed  in  the  city ;  purple  and  gold, 
blue  and  crimson,  with  arabesque  and  chased  silver, 
lined  the  walls ;  the  floors  were  covered  with  thick 
carpets  of  Persian  ply  in  Tyrian  dyes.  Metallic 
mirrors  were  hung,  vessels  of  porcelain  and  gold 
were  distributed  in  fitting  places,  statues  of  their 
gods  filled  up  niches,  flowers  were  scattered,  while 


Jplhe  '^id^mtxn^. — ^stb^Jt.       1 1 5 


such  delicious  music  filled  the  corridors  and  halls, 
saloons  and  chambers,  as  deluded  the  senses  of  the 
guests  into  a  foretaste  of  the  blisses  of  paradise. 

All  that  Eastern  splendor  and  magnificence  could 
contribute  was  poured  in  tributary  streams,  to  aid 
the  king  in  his  purpose  of  giving  the  world  some- 
thing splendid  to  remember  after  it  was  over. 

There  is  particular  allusion  made,  in  the  Sacred 
account  of  this  aflfair,  to  the  palace  gardens,  in 
which  magnificent  silken  tents  were  erected,  and 
decorated  with  an  extravagance  and  reckless  disre- 
gard of  expenditure  which  is  almost  fabulous ;  these 
were  more  particularly  devoted  to  the  gamesters, 
and,  of  course,  scenes  of  revelry  were  enacted  there 
which  bajffle  the  imagination  to  portray. 

There  is  no  particular  reason  given  why  this  cele- 
bration was  instituted — whether  it  commemorated 
a  national  anniversary,  or  that  the  policy  of  party 
suggested  it ;  political  intrigue,  or  the  mere  desire 
for  pleasure,  may  have  been,  either  of  them,  the 
cause ;  in  either  case  it  does  not  aflfect  the  fact  that 
such  a  feast  was  held,  which  lasted  several  months, 
and  that  the  season  was  replete  with  intoxication, 


1 16     ^it;e  ^euuBU  0f  UiB  (^r[i^ni. 


debauchery,  and  excitement;  and  was  followed,  as 
is  usual,  by  regrets,  remorse  of  conscience,  and  a 
reproving  sense  of  misapplied  talents. 

This  occurred  when  Babylon,  blood-red  with 
riches,  was  filled  full  of  the  pride  of  pomp  and 
power,  strong  in  its  own  might,  and  arrogant  of  its 
possibilities. 

The  king  entertained  the  men  in  his  apartments, 
gardens,  and  pavilions  ;  there  were  artificial  gardens 
arranged  on  the  house-tops  also,  which,  when  illu- 
minated, made  beautiful  effect,  and  we  may  well 
imagine  the  perfect  abandon  and  license  of  theii 
indulgences,  when  we  refiect  that  no  virtuou? 
women  were  present.  There  were  women  on  the 
scene,  of  course,  famous  for  their  physical  charms ; 
this  was  an  item  in  the  programme  of  entertain- 
ment which  was  loudly  applauded  ;  but  the  pres- 
ence of  chaste  ladies  of  refinement,  which  element 
is  so  potent  in  humanizing  or  allayiug  the  gross 
passions,  and  in  bringing  out  the  charm  of  men's 
spiritual  nature,  was  lacking,  and  license  became 
lawlessness  and  obscenity. 

But  the  fair  women  of  the  harem  were  not  with- 


Plbe  ;]©iamaud— ^J^sthx^r.       117 


out  their  share  of  enjoyment,  the  queen's  apart- 
ments were  also  fitted  in  corresponding  magnifi- 
cence, with  all  the  appurtenances  requisite  for  the 
entertainment  of  the  finer  tastes  of  the  fair  sex : 
and  the  queen  entertained  hundreds  of  the  daughters 
of  the  nobility. 

The  rich  Persian  silk  drapery  was  closely  drawn 
over  the  openings  between  the  two  departments, 
which  effectually  separated  them  from  the  men. 
Reclining  on  couches  in  elegantly-embroidered 
robes,  their  splendid  hair  dressed  with  bouquets  of 
diamonds,  and  their  tiny  feet  enclosed  in  sandals 
or  slippers  of  satin  and  pearls,  these  Peris  of  an 
oriental  clime  made  a  parterre  of  exceeding  beauty, 
and  were  fit  subjects  for  the  muses  to  rant  about. 

They  filled  the  time  with  innocent  games,  music, 
dancing,  and  telling  of  tales;  this  last  amusement 
was  particularly  pleasing  to  Vashti,  and  the  Arabian 
Nights'  Entertainments  may  be  considered  a  fair 
transcription  of  the  stories  which  her  maids  of 
honor  read  or  recited. 

When  we  compare  the  orgies  of  the  males  with 
the  innocent  enjoyments  of  the  females,  the  contrast 


1 1 8     ]i{it;D  J^BWcls  ixi  the  ^tUnt 


brings  up  forcibly  the  difference  of  the  sexes,  when 
left  unrestrained  by  the  association  of  the  other, 
and  we  see  the  wisdom  in  the  arrangement  of 
Almighty  provision  which  creates  the  female  with 
the  powerful  prerogative  of  moral  power,  the  gift  of 
keeping  refined  the  fiercer,  the  more  animalized 
man. 

Yashti  was  a  woman  of  not  only  regal  exterior 
appointment,  but  was  noble  in  soul  as  well;  was 
greatly  honored  and  respected  for  her  virtues  and 
amiability  of  manner,  and  eminently  secured  the 
title  of  "hospitable  hostess"  during  this  season. 

She  had  been  greatly  loved  by  her  royal  husband, 
who  had  ever  shown  her  the  respect  which  her 
character  claimed;  no  indulgence  consistent  with 
his  dignity  he  ever  refused  her,  and  their  married 
lives  had  been  uninterrupted  by  a  single  jar. 

Severe  and  sad  is  our  reflection  upon  the  act  of  the 
king  which  took  place  in  the  midst  of  this  season. 

One  who  fills  the  post  of  king  for  a  nation  should 
always  be  the  beacon  of  temperance  and  moral 
worth ;  and  repulsive  to  our  sense  of  high  honor  is 
the  idea  of  his  indulgence  in  degrading  and  obscene 


jpihe  ;©iamxxnd — '^M^^ih^v*       119 


exercises  and  habits,  which  puts  him  morally  on  as 
low  a  plane  as  the  most  obscure  and  degraded ;  but 
during  the  mad  carousings  of  the  feast  which  con- 
tinued so  long,  Ahasuerus  partook  indiscreetly  of 
the  various  spiced  wines,  liqueurs,  and  other  drinks, 
and  lost  his  dignity,  became  boastful  of  Vashti's 
charms,  spoke  boldly  and  against  all  marital  deco- 
rum of  their  conjugal  relations ;  and  the  lords  and 
courtiers,  already  half  mad  with  the  excitement  of 
wine,  urged  the  king  to  have  her  brought,  that  all 
of  them  might  see  the  charms  of  which  he  boasted. 

Such  an  act  was  almost  unprecedented,  but  the 
king's  senses  were  too  much  obscured  to  reflect 
upon  the  liberty  of  the  nobles,  and  he  sent  to  order 
Vashti  to  come  and  display  herself. 

Imagine  how  her  modest  nature,  her  dignity,  her 
pride,  must  have  felt  outraged  at  such  request ;  to 
disobey,  she  knew  was  to  incur  any  punishment  that 
the  king's  insulted  authority  might  dictate ;  to  obey, 
was  to  forfeit  her  character  as  a  chaste  woman. 

She  hesitated  not  which  tc  choose ;  and,  thinking 
to  herself  that  the  king  woald,  when  again  sober, 
possibly  forgive  the  offence  of  her  disobedience,  if  he 


1 20     ^it;e  Jf^vj^Xd  nt  ih^  ® t[ietti 


reflected  that  it  was  to  save  his  honor  from  injury 
that  she  took  the  step,  she  refused  to  go,  and  bravely 
stayed. 

Pale  as  marble  and  almost  as  fixed  in  position, 
she  stood,  as  she  gave  the  answer :  "  Tell  my  sover- 
eign I  pray  him  to  excuse  me." 

Terrified  at  the  second  summons  she  stood;  the 
elegant  drapery  of  her  royal  robes  trailed  over  her 
white  arms  around  her  magnificent  figure,  and  was 
held  up  by  her  especial  attendants.  "With  her 
hands  clasped  together,  and  held  supplicatingly 
upward,  she  feelingly  uttered  the  words :  "  I  pray 
you  beseech  my  lord  not  to  insist  on  an  act  which 
will  cover  me  with  shame." 

Gigantic  moral  strength  Umned  her  chaste,  exqui- 
sitely-shaped profile,  when,  after  seeming  to  debate 
with  herself  a  moment,  one  hand  hanging  down,  the 
other  over  her  heart, — a  position  proclaiming  so 
forcibly  the  weakness  of  physique  and  the  majesty 
of  purpose, — she  thought,  "Come  death  or  come 
divorce,  I  ivill  not  sacrifice  my  womanhood." 

The  king's  wrath  was  great,  for  it  was  considered 
a.  disgrace  for  a  man,  and  most  especially  for  a  king, 


Jplhe  p^iamattd — ^I^stber.       1 2 1 


to  have  his  word  of  command  disregarded  by  his 
wife. 

At  that  time  if  pacificatory  means  had  been  used, 
if  his  courtiers  had  turned  the  subject  into  another 
channel,  and  diverted  his  mind,  he  would  have,  when 
his  brain  was  cooler,  been  glad  that  Vashti  had  not 
complied  with  his  insulting  request;  but  the  lords 
declared  their  indignation  at  Vashti's  disobedience, 
and  incited  Ahasuerus  to  a  prompt  divorce. 

So  Vashti  was  divorced  and  dethroned.  With 
tears  and  much  sorrow,  yet  with  an  inward  convic- 
tion of  having  performed  her  duty,  and  a  strong 
sense  of  self-approval,  she  left  the  royal  palace 
never  more  to  return. 

"When  the  mad  excitement  of  the  time  was  passed, 
and  Ahasuerus  thought  over  the  matter,  he  repented 
him  of  his  act,  and  saw  the  beautiful  conduct  of  the 
queen  in  its  proper  light ;  but  his  decree  was  immu- 
table. 

The  regrets,  however,  must  have  fastened  upon 

him,  and  made  him  sad   and   melancholy,  for  the 

courtiers  who  had  stimulated  him  to  the  rash  act 

devised  means  for  a  cure  to  his  grief ;  possibly  they 

6 


122     ^it;$  Jewels  ixt  the  ^i[Hni, 


were  afraid  that  the  king's  indignation  might  fall 
upon  them;  so  it  is  said  that  they  urged  him  to 
select  another  wife  whom  he  should  make  queen, 
and  the  king  consented. 

Yashti  must  have  been  very  superior,  as  it  was 
difficult  to  secure  another  woman  who  could  com- 
pare favorably  with  her,  and  it  was  arranged  that 
all  of  the  most  beautiful  virgins  of  the  land  should 
be  collected  and  pass  in  review  before  Ahasuerus ;  a 
singular  but  most  pleasing  sight  this  was,  as  the 
maidens,  each  one  decked  with  all  the  external 
arrangements  which  might  possibly  enhance  their 
native  beauty,  passed  anxiously  forward  before  the 
king,  awaiting  his  choice  or  rejection ;  and  there 
must  have  been  many  an  ambitious  maid  amongst 
them  who  longed  to  be  chosen,  and  whose  disap- 
pointment was  great  when  she  found  herself  rejected. 

It  is  singular  that  Mordecai,  so  strict  a  Jew, 
should  have  insisted  upon  Esther's  joining  in  this 
claim  for  the  favor  of  the  king's  notice ;  it  is  strange 
that  he  should  have  wished  to  marry  her,  against  all 
the  rules  of  his  faith,  to  one  who  was  not  of  her  re- 
ligion, and  in  consideration,  also,  of  his  warm  at- 


JplhB  ^iamxittd — '^sih^v,       1 2  3 


tachment  to  his  cousin,  for  whom  many  think  he 
entertained  a  deeper  passion  than  that  of  adopted 
fatherly  kindness,  he  did  not  keep  her  in  retirement, 
and  not  allow  her  to  join  the  youthful  procession  as 
a  candidate. 

But  it  must  have  been  that  the  prophetic  mean- 
ing which  he  read  in  passing  events  shadowed 
peril  to  his  nation,  and  had  raised  an  enthusiastic 
zeal  and  prepared  him  to  be  a  martyr  for  his  coun- 
try's sake,  a  martyr  in  an  abandoned  hope  of  love 
and  joy. 

In  giving  up  Esther  to  the  inspection  of  the  king, 
the  beautiful  dream  of  his  life  vanished.  He  could 
have  concealed  her,  but  he  urged  her  to  go ;  nothing 
but  the  prophetic  warnings  of  his  mind,  which  pre- 
dicted that  through  Esther  there  was  to  be  deliver- 
ance from  perils  achieved  for  the  Jews,  could  have 
induced  him  to  sacrifice  her  to  a  heathen  king. 

Esther  had  never  worshipped  any  God  but  the 
Lord  God.  It  turned  out  that  our  sweet,  gentle 
Hadassah  pleased  Ahasuerus  more  than  any  of  the 
maidens.  Her  modesty  in  making  no  extravagant 
demands  when  presents  were  offered  her,  her  unself- 


124    !Kive  J^ewels  0I  iha  ^JiiB»t. 


ishness,  her  faultless  and  exquisite  form  could  not 
be  resisted. 

The  king,  as  the  maidens  passed  before  him, 
keenly  noticed  every  gesture,  step,  and  glance  of 
the  eyes,  and  was  particularly  attracted  to  the  dig- 
nified, easy,  yet  most  modest  and  unpretentious 
bearing  of  Esther ;  he  perceived  in  her  countenance 
the  reflection  of  the  moral  power  which  glorified  her 
whole  appearance.  The  intellect  which  is  clothed 
by  virtue  and  baptized  in  piety  always  imparts, 
through  the  countenance,  a  sense  of  strength,  and 
Esther's  face  eminently  reflected  the  divine  inspira- 
tion which  filled  her  mind. 

Mordecai  did  not  allow  her  to  betray  her  parent- 
age ;  his  pride  was  great,  but  his  love  of  his  religion 
was  greater,  and  sufficient  to  overcome  all  things, 
even  the  affection  for  Esther,  which  we  suppose  had 
grown  into  his  life. 

The  very  effort  of  having  to  conceal  from  his 
charge  the  fact  of  his  romantic  passion  for  her,  is  a 
suggestion  that  the  haughty  manner  he  usually 
observed  was  induced  by  that  effort.  He  was  too 
noble  to  name  th«  subject  of  his  sentiments  to  her, 


)?Elh8  p^iamxittd — KstbBJi.       1 2 5 


who  he  knew  entertained  for  him  onlj  a  daughter's 
or  a  sister's  affection;  he  had  crushed  back  the 
passion  as  a  fruitless  and  foolish  one. 

How  forsaken,  how  forlorn  he  must  have  felt, 
after  the  Uttle  lamb  had  been  taken  from  its  fold ; 
the  rose  had  been  transplanted,  his  singing-bird 
caged  behind  the  magnificent  palace  walls!  for 
Esther  had  been  taken  by  Hegai  into  the  harem. 
The  act  of  his  resigning  Esther  was  proof  of  his 
generous,  self-sacrificing  nature.  It  seems  some- 
what strange  that  no  inquiries  were  instituted  in 
regard  to  Esther's  parentage  or  antecedents,  but  so 
the  Scripture  states. 

It  is  not  known  exactly  how  many  years  elapsed 
between  the  time  of  Esther's  adoption  into  the 
harem  and  her  ascension  to  the  throne  ;  but  it  must 
have  been  three  or  four.  After  she  had  been  chosen 
there  were  entertainments  given  in  honor  thereof, 
and  then  Mordecai  obtained  a  situation  under  the 
king,  but  exactly  what  is  meant  by  "  sitting  in  the 
king's  gate,"  it  is  hard  to  decide. 

Affection  for  Esther  must  have  induced  him  to 
take  this  step,  as  his  reserve  would  hardly  have 


126     ^ivD  J^ewcls  nt  tbe  (^vimxi. 


courted  so  conspicuous  a  position.  From  his  pecu- 
liarly singular  place  he  could  observe  many  a  secret 
of  the  palace,  and  became  a  dread,  possibly,  on  this 
very  account,  to  Haman,  who  was  an  Amalekite,  of 
an  idolatrous  race  and  nation,  and  who  was  about 
this  same  time  appointed  by  the  king  as  confidant, 
favorite,  and  adviser. 

Mordecai  discovered  an  intrigue  against  the  life 
of  Ahasuerus,  and  betrayed  it  to  Esther,  and  thus 
was  the  means  of  averting  so  terrible  a  catas- 
trophe to  king  and  state ;  but,  singularly  enough, 
no  reward  was  given  to  Mordecai  for  this  bene- 
fit, but  the  fact  was  chronicled  in  the  king's  ar- 
chives. 

Haman  was  also  of  noble  descent,  or  was  of  fine 
extraction  as  to  pedigree,  but,  though  his  manners 
were  of  the  most  courtly  cultivation,  his  language 
fluent,  and  his  figure  and  whole  appearance  quite 
distinguished,  yet  he  was  wily,  deceitful,  and  un- 
principled ;  a  schemer,  seeking  in  all  things  only  his 
own  aggrandizement  and  the  accumulation  of  great 
wealth.  He  gained  the  unlimited  confidence  of  the 
king,  and  had  great  influence  over  him. 


J^^he  ]]^lamttnd — ^l^stheit.       127 


From  the  very  first,  Haman  and  Mordecai  hated 
each  other. 

The  hatred  of  their  races  was  concentrated  in  and 
shown  through  the  two  men,  and  when  every  one 
was  showing  obsequious  court  to  Haman,  Mordecai 
retained  his  calm,  proud,  imperturbable  manner, 
and  made  no  sign  or  gesture  of  recognition,  or  show 
of  respect. 

When  Esther  was  placed  upon  the  throne, 
another  magnificent  royal  feast  proclaimed  her 
triumph. 

It  was  pleasing  and  flattering  to  the  young 
maiden  to  be  chosen  for  such  high  honors,  and  as 
she  had  no  previous  attachment  she  came  sweetly 
and  willingly  to  the  arms  of  her  husband,  and  into 
the  favor  of  the  king.  And  the  king  forgot  Yashti 
in  the  connection,  and  luxuriated  in  the  society  of 
his  bride.     He  could  have  granted  her  any  boon. 

During  his  honeymoon  the  uxorious  sovereign 
conferred  great  benefits  in  Esther's  name;  the 
taxes  of  the  provinces  were  remitted,  pardons  were 
granted  to  the  condemned,  so  that  Esther's  name 
became  a  proverb  in  the  land  and  famous  in  history. 


128     ^iue  J^DWXJts  ixi  the  ^x^ii^ni. 


She  was  esteemed  among  all  the  people. 
During  this  season  of  elevation  she  retained  the 
same  sweetness  of  manner  and  modest  deportment, 
and  never  arrogated  to  herself  the  privileges  of  her 
high  position  as  an  excuse  for  scorning  the  humble. 

The  fact  of  her  being  debarred  from  the  pleasures 
of  participation  in  religious  observances,  in  which 
she  was  so  punctilious  before,  throws  a  veil  of  doubt 
over  our  minds  whether  or  not  she  was  entirely 
happy,  though  throughout  every  event,  as  the 
Scripture  states,  she  preserved  the  same  child-like 
obedience  to  her  cousin  Mordecai. 

Esther,  as  it  had  been  appointed  her  to  become 
a  queen  and  a  wife,  with  her  strict  sense  of  duty 
guiding  her,  determined  conscientiously  to  perform 
her  part ;  and  the  womanly  heart  soon  grew  to  love 
fondly  and  truly  her  lord  who  was  so  kind  to  her ; 
she  learned  to  cling  to  him,  and  created  him,  in  the 
romantic  book  of  her  heart,  her  hero,  her  love. 

Sadly,  indeed,  must  it  have  fallen  upon  her,  then, 
when  the  fickle,  voluptuous  king,  growing  weary  of 
constancy,  suddenly  changed ;  his  attentions  declined, 
and  finally  he  remained  away  from  her  altogether. 


Jplhe  ^©iamuttd — 'J^^ih^v,       129 


Esther  was  no  longer  the  happy  bride,  but  the 
sorrowful  wife  banished  from  her  husband's  pres- 
ence. Many  bitter  tears  did  Esther  shed,  yet  she 
forgot  not  to  trust  in  the  God  of  her  fathers.  Her 
attendants  became  devoted  to  her,  and  anything 
that  they  could  offer  for  her  consolation  and  amuse- 
ment they  did  not  withhold. 

Splendor  glittered  about  her,  fine  linen,  blue  and 
gold,  flowers  and  music ;  every  delectable  viand 
which  could  tempt  her  palate  was  profusely  spread 
around ;  yet  for  all  these  things  her  heart  was  sor- 
rowful ;  for  thirty  days  she  did  not  behold  the  face 
of  the  king. 

In  the  meantime  Haman  was  unhappy  because 
the  despised  Jew  made  no  concessions,  and  not  all 
the  wealth  and  honor  of  his  favored  position  could 
banish  this  one  bitter  drop  from  his  cup.  He 
longed  for  vengeance,  and  concocted  a  plan  for  the 
destruction  of  the  whole  hated  race. 

Mordecai  secretly  believed  that  it  was  through 

Haman's  influence    that  the  king    was  no  longer 

gracious  to  Esther,  and  this  fact  must  have  made 

his  blood  boil  with  indignation. 

6* 


I30     'WM^  JrZwaXs  of  the  ®rietti 


As  he  walked  backward  and  forward  before  the 
palace  gates,  his  serious,  calm  gaze  riveted  upon  the 
walls  behind  which  his  beloved  was,  many  pictures 
must  have  filled  his  mind  of  what  might  have  been ; 
and  Esther,  the  star  of  his  heart,  was  still  in  this 
hour,  as  through  former  years,  sacred  to  him ;  for 
her  sake  he  waited  and  watched  the  chances  and 
changes,  and  instituted  a  secret  surveillance  over 
Haman,  for  he  suspected  him  of  double-dealing. 
Haman  felt  the  suspicion  through  the  mysterious 
agent,  intuition,  and  hated  him  none  the  less  for 
it. 

Haman  could  not  be  satisfied  until  the  astrolo- 
gers were  consulted  about  the  selection  of  a  lucky 
day  for  the  slaughter  of  the  Jews;  so  lots  were 
through  them  cast,  and,  providentially  for  the  Jews, 
the  date  was  propitious  for  them,  though  it  was 
hidden  from  Haman  that  such  was  the  fact,  and 
possibly  even  from  the  astrologers  themselves. 

According  to  the  king's  order,  letters  were  sent 
into  the  provinces  by  posts,  which  gave  the  verdict 
of  death  to  all ;  the  edict  ran :  "  To  destroy,  to  kill, 
to  cause  to  be  put  to  death,  to  make  perish  all  Jews, 


Jplhe  ^iam^nd— ^sthaj^.       1 3 1 


both  young  and  old,  little  children  and  women,  in 
one  day." 

No  crime  was  specified,  and  no  offer  to  expiate  or 
exempt  on  any  terms.  The  murder  of  the  nation 
was  a  lawful  act,  the  manner  of  destroying  life  was 
not  ordered  after  any  particular  plan,  but  the  execu- 
tioners were  left  to  their  own  ingenious  devices  to 
kill,  in  whatever  way  they  might  choose. 

Every  variety  of  torture  that  cold-blooded  cruelty 
could  suggest,  they  were  at  liberty  to  exercise  ;  to 
exterminate  was  the  great  end  and  aim.  The  most 
terrible  feature  in  the  terrible  drama  would  be  the 
stimulus  of  the  promise  of  plunder ;  each  assassin 
would  have  the  right  to  take  possession  of  the 
property  of  his  victim. 

Nothing  in  history  is  more  horrible  to  contemplate 
than  this  general  massacre,  which  would  have  taken 
place  through  Haman's  agency,  but  for  the  working 
of  Almighty  Providence  in  behalf  of  a  chosen 
people.  The  tragedy  would  have  instituted  fresh 
scenes  of  bloodshed ;  and  crime  and  cruelty,  vio- 
lence and  rapine,  would  have  been  the  result  of  the 
terrible  prelude. 


132     ^hre  ^^wbIs  ni  the  <E>nt)ni. 


All  the  time  that  these  things  were  agitating  the 
people's  minds,  Mordecai  rent  his  clothes,  was  dis- 
tracted with  grief,  put  on  sackcloth  and  ashes,  and 
went  through  the  city  to  condole  with  his  distracted 
countrymen  who  had  so  long  lived  unmolested  ;  and 
he  found  so  much  bitter  woe,  such  helpless  sorrow, 
that  he  joined  his  lamentation  with  theirs  and  wept 
and  cried  aloud. 

He  still  preserved  the  same  unbending  reserve 
toward  Haman,  who  gathered  his  relatives  together, 
and  with  them  talked  over  the  subject  of  the 
slaughter  of  the  Jews,  and  with  the  concentrated 
fires  of  hate  and  rage  burning  in  his  heart,  told 
them  all  how  Mordecai  had  dared  to  treat  him. 

His  friends  advised  him  to  get  the  king's  per- 
mission to  hang  Mordecai  on  a  gallows  of  immense 
height,  and  in  the  meantime,  that  it  might  be  cer- 
tainly effected,  to  have  the  gallows  erected ;  and 
Haman  did  so,  not  suspecting  that  he  could  fail  to 
get  the  king's  consent  to  it,  or  to  any  proposition 
which  he  might  urge. 

Mordecai's  insignia  of  grief  was  not  withheld  from 
the  eyes  of  any ;  he  made  no  secret  of  his  nation. 


Jplhe  ^l^iamrxnd— ;^8theii.       133 


Through  all  the  anxiety  and  terror  he  strove  not 
to  conceal  that  he  was  one  of  the  condemned. 

Ahasuerus  and  Haman,  as  usual,  partook  of  all 
the  pleasures  of  the  table ;  wine  and  dice,  and  every- 
thing which  could  be  brought  to  aid  Haman  in  the 
destruction  or  suppression  of  the  king's  more  amia- 
ble nature  he  called  to  his  aid,  and  the  king's  fickle- 
ness was  a  tool  which  he  used  to  his  own  aggran- 
dizement ;  and  while  so  many  innocent  people  were 
plunged  in  the  deepest  grief,  he  must  have  kept  the 
king's  senses  half  stupefied  with  wine.  Ahasuerus 
did  not  realize  the  enormity  of  his  favorite's  de- 
signs, for  it  is  said  that  "  Haman  and  the  king  sat 
down  to  table,"  the  pleasures  of  which  were  intem- 
perately  appropriated,  no  doubt. 

Mordecai  must  have  despaired  but  for  the  pro- 
phetic whisperings  of  his  own  mind,  and  through 
the  deep  veil  of  present  woe  realized  the  light 
ahead.  Through  Esther,  the  star,  he  contemplated 
deliverance  for  his  oppressed  race. 

This  dream  of  joy  that  had  come  into  his  earlier 
life,  the  flower  in  his  garden,  the  sunbeam  in  his 
house,  the  bird  in  his  nest,  the  lamb  in  his  fold. 


1 34     ^it;e  J^fiWfsls  xif  the  @rient. 


the  child  under  his  roof-tree,  the  genius  of  his  life, 
and  the  deliverer  of  Israel ;  she  was  the  means, 
under  Providence,  to  which  he  looked  for  help. 

But  where  was  Esther  during  this  time  of  tribula- 
tion to  Mordecai  and  all  the  Jews?  Unconscious 
of  any  trouble  besides  that  in  her  own  heart,  she 
performed  her  duties,  and  fulfilled  the  plans  of  each 
day  with  quiet  dignity.  She  concealed  her  regrets 
from  her  companions  as  well  as  she  could,  for  her 
pride  was  sensitive,  and  she  would  not  allow  any  to 
remark  on  the  king's  estrangement. 

She  gained  daily  and  hourly  the  affections  of  all 
those  about  her — sweet  flower,  the  violet  in  retire- 
ment, which  had  so  lately  been  the  lily  worn  on  a 
monarch's  bosom. 

Esther  had  one  sorrow  which  was  hard  to  bear ; 
she  had  no  communication  with  her  own  people, 
and  had  no  opportunity  of  observing  the  cere- 
monies of  her  own  religion.  This,  to  one  so  strictly 
trained  to  observe  these  laws,  was  doubtless  a 
source  of  trial. 

On  a  bright  day  Esther  reclined  on  a  couch  of 
royal  velvet  fringed  with  pearls,  her  robes  of  blue 


jpihe  ^©iamxind — ^l^sthe:^.       135 


and  gold  floated  over  her  feet ;  the  sweet  perfume 
from  a  magnificent  white  lily,  which  one  of  her 
beautiful  maidens  had  just  presented  to  her,  wafted 
to  her  senses  a  reminder  of  her  humble  home  in 
Shushan  before  she  was  queen;  the  scenes  of  her 
peaceful  life,  when  she  cultivated  her  own  lilies, 
and  was  content  with  her  seclusion,  and  she  silently 
begged  the  God  of  her  fathers  to  bless  her  with  a 
spirit  of  true  submission  to  any  trial  which  might 
assail  her,  but  that  He  might  not  afflict  her  cousin 
Mordecai. 

Judge  of  her  distress,  then,  when  at  this  moment 
her  chamberlain  reported  to  her  an  account  of 
Mordecai's  condition  of  grief,  and  repeated  the 
edict  of  the  king. 

Like  one  awakened  from  a  dream,  she  was  at  first 
bewildered,  and  her  earliest  impulse  was  to  send  a 
message  or  an  order  to  him  to  put  aside  the  signs  of 
his  nativity,  and  get  out  of  the  way  of  vengeance ; 
but  of  course  Mordecai  would  not  obey  the  order, 
and  Esther  realized  that  she  was  impotent  to  help, 
and  was  herself  involved  in  her  nation's  danger. 

She  knew  not  how  she  stood  with  the  king,  for 


136    ^ire  Jewels  txi  tbe  (^Xii^nl 


she  had  not  seen  him  for  many  weeks.  She  had 
longed  for  a  message  or  a  look  of  love,  and  the 
royal  favor  seemed  past.  She  was  afraid  that  she 
was  indeed  forgotten ;  her  magnificent  halls,  par- 
lors, bed-chambers,  with  all  the  glitter  that  money 
and  power  gathered,  were  but  prisons ;  her  lord 
seemed  to  be  the  means  of  her  torture. 

She  did  not  even  know  but  that  her  place  in 
his  affections  might  have  been  filled  by  a  later 
favorite ;  yet  with  all  this  doubt,  this  dark  uncer- 
tainty, the  dread  spread  before  her,  her  noble  soul, 
true  to  its  instincts,  looked  up  to  a  higher  source,  a 
stronger  arm  for  help,  and  through  faith  in  God's 
promises  rose  sufficient  to  meet  the  emergency. 

The  charms  of  her  glittering  surroundings,  fairy- 
like in  beauty  and  appointment,  had  no  power  to 
rivet  her  regard  whilst  her  people,  and  possibly  her- 
self, were  in  such  imminent  peril.  She  suddenly 
decided  to  go  in  person,  unasked,  and  to  beg  with 
all  her  eloquence  and  earnestness  that  he  would 
revoke  the  sentence  he  had  passed. 

She  had  a  keen  sense  of  her  own  duty,  and  the 
obligations  of  her  religion,  and  she  also  possessed 


Jplhe  ]®  iamxxttd— Ksther.       1 37 


the  key  to  the  king's  mind;  she  knew  that  his 
senses  were  susceptible  to  beauty,  and  she  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  first  charming  him  by  her  fasci- 
nations into  reconciliation  and  clemency.  There 
must  have  been  a  direct  inspiration  which  dictated 
her  heroic  resolve : 

"  I  will  go  to  the  king,  and  if  I  perish,  I  perish." 

Such  a  strong  purpose,  such  lofty  resolves,  could 
not  have  been  spoken  in  more  forcible  language ; 
no  long  sentences  could  have  conveyed  as  much 
emphasis  as  these  simple  words. 

A  devout  believer  in  prayer,  she  instituted  a 
solemn  fast  of  three  days,  in  which  all  the  Jews  of 
Shushan  should  bow  themselves,  and  pray  also  for 
her,  before  the  God  of  their  fathers.  This  order 
was  observed,  not  in  outward  celebration,  but  in 
fervent  aspiration  and  personal  humbling  of  each 
soul. 

The  queen  and  her  maidens  fasted  in  their  secluded 
portion  of  the  palace,  and  the  fair  form,  graceful 
neck,  and  beautiful  head  of  Esther  were  bowed  in 
the  attitude  of  devotion  and  reverence  which  true 
earnestness  and  perfect  faith  can  alone  dictate. 


138    'W^iv^  J^ewels  xil  the  ®Jiiettt. 


What  a  contrast  to  the  crowned  queen  of  a  few 
months  previously !  the  flattered,  the  adored  wife  of 
a  king,  decked  with  the  adornments  of  majesty, 
held  to  the  breast  of  a  devoted  husband,  petted, 
caressed,  admired,  and  honored,  now,  forsaken ;  with 
all  this  grievous  weight  of  anxiety  resting  upon  her 
heart;  the  orange  flowers,  the  bridal  robe,  the 
jewels,  exchanged  for  sackcloth  and  ashes. 

This  was  the  time  to  try  the  true  force  of  her 
great  nature,  and  to  prove  her  heroism,  faith,  vir- 
tuous principle,  and  self-reliance.  With  these  attri- 
butes the  simple  woman  may  be  majestic  in  her 
own  beautiful  womanhood,  whether  she  be  queen  or 
peasant. 

In  the  meantime,  Mordecai  contrived  private  in- 
terviews, in  which  he  forcibly  urged  her  comphance 
with  his  request  to  persuade  the  king  to  repeal  his 
cruel  sentence. 

It  seems  to  us  that  the  Jew,  Mordecai,  failed  at 
this  time  to  realize  the  true  nature  of  Esther,  her 
generous,  self-sacrificing  spirit,  for  he  continually 
reminded  her  that  if  the  nation  was  destroyed  she 
could  not  escape ;  which  injunction  implied  a  possi- 


5l^he  ]®iamand — ^sthej?.       139 


bility  of  her  being  selfish  enough  to  secure  her 
own  safety,  without  making  an  efibrt  for  her  people. 

He  said  to  her :  "  Think  not  with  thyself  that 
thou  shalt  escape  in  the  king's  house  more  than  all 
the  Jews,  for  if  thou  altogether  holdest  thy  peace  at 
this  time  then  shall  there  deliverance  arise  to  the 
Jews  from  another  place,  but  thou  and  thy  father's 
house  shall  be  destroyed;  and  who  knoweth 
whether  thou  art  come  to  the  kingdom  for  such  a 
time  as  this." 

This  suspicion  of  infidelity  must  have  pained  our 
sensitive  Esther,  unless  she  reasoned  that  Mordecai 
supposed  the  mind  of  his  Hadassah  had  been 
turned  by  her  high  position.  He  certainly  could 
not  have  appreciated  her  unselfish  nature,  and  how 
strong  to  act  she  could  be  when  aroused  to  a  sense 
of  her  position. 

This  was  a  crisis  in  which  she  felt  the  positive 
necessity  for  prompt  action,  and  her  fertile  mind 
conceived  the  plan  of  giving  an  entertainment  to 
which  she  would  invite  the  king,  and  by  her  fasci- 
nations woo  him  into  reconciliation,  and  then  to 
compliance  with  the  appeal  in  behalf  of  her  people. 


HO     Ki^'fi  Jr^vciiXd  ni  tlxe  (^ti^ui. 


With  her  womanly  intuitions  she  had  perceived 
the  assailable  points  in  the  king's  character;  she 
knew  his  susceptibility  to  beauty,  and  determined 
to  adorn  herself  with  all  the  appliances  of  the  most 
approved  toilet,  and  to  call  to  aid  every  artificial 
lustre  available  to  enhance  her  native  charms :  as 
her  case  was  urgent,  poHcy  was  wise  and  diplomacy 
excusable. 

To  appear  before  the  king  without  an  order  or 
invitation  was  an  unprecedented  liberty,  and  might 
bring  disgrace  and  consequent  punishment  upon 
her,  but  she  had  made  her  resolution,  and  would 
abide  by  it.  Her  fastidious  taste  suggested  the 
most  effective  arrangement  of  the  various  gifts 
which  her  royal  lord  had  bestowed  upon  her  in  his 
happiness — the  diamond  rings,  bracelets,  and  neck- 
lace, all,  she  fitted  conspicuously.  This  would,  she 
thought,  flatter  the  king,  and  remind  him  of  their 
tender  relations. 

The  crown  which  she  took  care  to  place  on  her 
head  was  significant  of  her  rights,  and  was  a  badge 
of  equality,  through  which  she  might  demand  and 
expect  acquiescence  and  favor. 


I^be  ]]^iamo;ttd— ^l^sther.       141 


As  she  stood  at  last  before  lier  mirror,  contem- 
plating in  her  beauty  the  might  that  would  possibly 
set  her  people  free  from  a  terrible  impending  fate, 
the  blent  beauties  of  heaven  seemed  to  aid  her,  and 
baptize  her  with  almost  divine  beauty. 

She  hesitated  until  the  last  moment,  when,  throw- 
ing her  head  back,  with  eyes  raised  and  hands 
stretched  forward,  she  drank  in  an  inspiration  of 
heavenly  hope,  then  stepped  gracefully  and  confi- 
dently forward  to  where  her  lord  was,  in  his  audi- 
ence-chamber. 

He  was  carelessly  regarding  his  courtiers,  who 
were  scattered  around,  when  the  sudden  appearance 
of  Esther  seemed  to  startle  the  atmosphere  of  the 
room,  as  if  a  star  had  suddenly  dropped  from  the 
heavens  and  glorified  the  scene. 

The  king  was  astonished,  and  in  a  moment  so 
delighted  with  the  novelty  of  her  act  that  when 
she  gracefully  knelt  before  him  he  hesitated  not  a 
moment  to  extend  the  sceptre,  and  bid  her  rise  and 
prefer  any  request  which  she  might  please ;  and 
when  she  assured  him  that  it  was  only  to  claim  his 
presence  at  a  grand  banquet,  as  she  found  it  im- 


142     ^iue  3?cwbU  nt  the  ^j[i^nt 


possible  to  enjoy  herself  without  his  society,  his 
vanity,  his  chivalry,  and  his  love  were  aU  aroused, 
and  he  most  graciously  consented. 

The  lords  and  nobles  stood  gazing  in  boundless 
admiration  and  genuine  respect  upon  the  lovely 
vision,  and  Ham  an  was  flattered  beyond  measure 
when  she,  through  private  motives  of  policy,  se- 
lected him  from  the  rest,  and  invited  him  also  to 
attend. 

The  king's  coldness  vanished  like  a  mist  before 
the  morning's  sun ;  her  presence  revived  a  flow  of 
sweetest  emotions,  and  Esther  was  almost  sure  that 
she  might  make  her  real  motives  known;  but  she 
suppressed  her  impatience  until  things  might  be 
still  more  auspicious. 

Haman  was  delighted ;  he  dressed  himself  in  his 
richest  attire,  boasted  to  his  wife  of  the  great 
honors  he  was  considered  worthy  to  receive,  and 
repaired  with  the  king  to  Esther's  banquet.  She 
suppressed  the  great  indignation  that  she  felt,  and 
entertained  him  becomingly.  Haman  had  elegant 
manners,  for  he  was  well  cultivated  in  all  court 
etiquette,   and  was   an  accomplished  lord  of   the 


Plh^  J^iamxiwd — ^sth^r.       14, 


tiiues ;  and  be,  no  doubt,  made  himself  amiable  and 
graceful  for  the  occasion;  but  Esther  knew  of  the 
viper  that  lay  concealed  beneath  this  fair  exterior, 
and  loathed  his  presence  in  her  heart. 

But  when  the  banquet  was  over  and  Haman  went 
out,  the  gallows  which  he  had  had  erected  for  Mor- 
decai  rose  conspicuously  and  portentously  against 
the  sky,  and  brought  back  the  hatred  which  Esther's 
sweetness  and  clemency  had  dispelled;  he  exult- 
ed in  the  thought  that  on  the  morrow  his  hated 
adversary  would  be  hanging  from  that  very  gallows, 
and  that  before  the  closing  morrow's  sun  there 
would  not  be  left  one  of  the  despised  race. 

But  wiser  and  higher  influences  were  at  work, 
influences  which  come  unseen  yet  all-powerful,  to 
frustrate  evil  designs  and  wicked  machinations 
against  the  innocent. 

It  happened  that  the  king  could  not  sleep,  though 
sweet,  soft,  gentle  music  stirred  in  the  adjoining 
rooms,  the  dreamy  moonlight  streamed  through  the 
casement,  and  the  very  luxuriance  of  his  couch  sug- 
gested to  the  senses  a  lull,  a  soothing  spell,  an  in- 
ducement to  sleep;  yet  the  king's  thoughts  went 


144     ^iui)  JfidmaU  ixi  ibe  (^rieui 


roving,  his  eyes  were  wide  opened,  and  memory 
seemed  to  have  set  afloat  old  forgotten  things, 
which  arrayed  themselves  into  speaking  reminders ; 
and  at  last  one  call  upon  his  revived  recollection 
caught  and  claimed  attention. 

Touching  his  summoning  bell,  his  attendants 
came,  of  whom  he  requested  that  the  archives  of  his 
kingdom  should  be  brought ;  and,  in  the  midst  of 
his  royal  bed,  he  read  an  account  which  had 
vaguely  suggested  itself  to  his  roving  thoughts ;  that 
Mordecai,  a  Jew,  had  saved  his  Ufe  by  disclosing  a 
conspiracy,  and  that  he  had  never  been  compen- 
sated or  requited. 

This  struck  the  grateful  vein  of  his  feeling,  and 
he  determined  to  set  about  righting  it. 

It  could  have  been  no  mere  chance  which  dic- 
tated the  opening  of  the  book  of  records ;  it  was  a 
high  power  which  instigated  the  act. 

The  stars  had  paled  out  before  the  morning  sun, 
when  Haman,  hasting  early  to  the  palace  to  obtain 
audience  with  the  king,  for  the  purpose  of  having 
Mordecai  instantly  hung,  passed  Mordecai  sitting 
as  usual  in  the  gate;  the  insignia  of  his  race  still 


Jplhe  '^i^mnnd — ^l^sthBii.       145 


marked  out,  in  soot,  sackcloth,  and  ashes ;  yet  still 
as  proud  and  silent,  he  gave  no  sign  of  humility  or 
respect.  Haman  arrived  at  the  palace  just  in  time 
to  receive  the  king's  summons  to  appear  at  once  in 
the  audience-chamber. 

The  king  was  glad,  always,  to  have  an  adviser, 
upon  whom  he  might  sometimes  shift  the  weighty 
affairs  of  state  questions,  and  Haman  was  the  man 
whom  he  now  needed  to  advise  him  what  high 
honors  he  should  confer  upon  one  who  had  done 
great  service  to  the  king,  and  whom  the  king  great- 
ly delighted  to  honor. 

Ever  presumptuous  in  his  estimate  of  his  own 
worth,  he  immediately  conceived  the  opinion  that 
more  startling  honors  were  to  be  conferred  upon 
himself.  He  was  certain  that  Haman  was  the  ob- 
ject of  royal  clemency  and  favor ;  and  when  Ahasu- 
erus,  looking  at  him,  satisfied  that  his  answer 
would  relieve  him  of  the  burden  of  thinking  of  or 
devising  some  scheme  of  great  benefit,  asked : 
"What  shall  be  done  to  the  man  whom  the  king 
delighteth  to  honor?"  he  answered:  "To  the  man 
whom  the  king  delighteth  to  honor  let  the  royal 


146    ^itji)  J^bwbIs  ni  the  ^ti^nt 


apparel  be  brought  which  the  king  useth  to  wear, 
and  the  horse  that  the  king  rideth  upon,  and  the 
royal  crown  which  is  set  upon  his  head,  and  let 
this  apparel  and  horse  be  delivered  to  the  hands  of 
one  of  the  king's  most  noble  princes,  that  they  may 
array  the  man  withal  whom  the  king  delighteth  to 
honor,  and  bring  him  on  horseback  through  the 
streets  of  the  city,  and  proclaim  before  him :  Thus 
shall  it  be  done  to  the  man  whom  the  king  delight- 
eth to  honor." 

This  was  a  bold  stroke,  for  the  very  insignia  of 
royalty  were  demanded,  and  these,  doubtless,  were 
suggested  to  Haman  on  the  ground  that  there  was  a 
possibility  that,  through  some  unforeseen  event,  the 
king's  dominion  might  cease,  and  that  he  might  be 
exalted  in  his  stead. 

What  terrible  revulsion  must  have  racked  the 
brain  of  Haman ;  have  torn  his  breast  and  dried  his 
tongue ;  what  blame  did  he  not  heap  on  his  own 
head  for  the  infatuation  which  had  dictated  his 
vanity ;  what  volcanoes  of  contending  passion 
rocked  the  foundations  of  his  feeling,  when  the 
king's  answer  declared  that  instead  of  himself  these 


f4 

o 

c 
K 

o 

Eh 

O 

w 
o 

I— I 

El) 
O 

o 


Jplhc  'J^iammid — ^stbeii.       147 


honors  were  to  go,  all  of  them,  to  Mordecai,  and  at 
his  own  instigation. 

The  king  said :  "  Make  haste,  take  the  apparel 
and  the  horse,  as  thou  hast  said,  and  do  even  so  to 
Mordecai,  the  Jew,  who  sitteth  at  the  king's  gate ; 
let  nothing  fail  that  thou  hast  spoken." 

Of  course  Haman  knew  better  than  to  remon- 
strate, for  the  laws  of  the  Medes  and  Persians 
were  irrevocable.  He  bowed,  and  turned  to  obey. 
He  gave  the  message  to  Mordecai ;  was  sullen  and 
calm,  as  he,  with  his  own  hands,  acted  chamberlain, 
and  arrayed  him  in  robes  of  royalty  and  honor. 

It  really  requires  no  very  powerful  stretch  of  the 
imagination  to  describe  a  picture  so  striking  as 
these  two  men,  so  opposite  in  every  point  and  par- 
ticular, who  now  stood  in  the  most  peculiar  posi- 
tions one  toward  the  other.  Haman,  dark-browed, 
with  the  whole  soul  of  suppressed  hatred,  defiance, 
smothered  wrath,  and  malignity,  limned  in  his  broad 
profile  ;  Mordecai  receiving  the  honors  as  if  entitled 
to  them,  and  seeming  to  show,  by  acceptance  of  his 
services,  that  he  was  conferring  and  not  receiving 
honor. 


148    ^it;3  J^ew^ls  xxf  ibe  <g)rieni. 


The  reason  for  the  sudden  and  great  favor  must 
have  puzzled  Mordecai  to  analyze,  yet  he  expressed 
no  more  surprise  through  his  countenance  than  if  it 
had  been  of  erery-day  occurrence. 

It  did  puzzle  him  ;  for  when  the  pageant  was  con- 
cluded and  the  robes  taken  off  and  put  away,  he 
again  occupied  the  same  seat,  and  resumed  the 
sackcloth  and  ashes ;  and  his  case  did  not  seem 
changed,  so  far  as  externals  were  concerned  or  gave 
evidence.  He  had  not  heard  from  Esther,  and  the 
gallows  prepared  for  him  still  stood,  a  monument  of 
wrath  against  him,  and  he  might,  by  the  next  night, 
be  dangling  from  it  a  lifeless  corpse. 

It  took  al]  the  faith  of  his  sublime  nature  to 
enable  him  to  adopt,  in  this  hour,  his  own  prophecy, 
that  God  would  save  his  people,  and  through  Esther. 

Haman,  in  his  shame  and  despair,  went  to  his 
wife,  and  on  woman's  faithful  bosom  sobbed  out  a 
recitation  of  his  woes.  She,  a  seeress,  foresaw  the 
ruin  of  her  house,  told  him  that  his  day  was  over, 
and  advised  him  to  flee  from  the  place  in  order  to 
save  his  life,  or  take  some  prompt  measure  for  his 
personal  safety ;  but,  while  they  were  yet  talking, 


Plhe  ^iamtxnd — J^siht^v.       149 


the  king's  chamberlain  came,  and  hurried  Haman 
to  Esther's  banquet. 

On  the  second  day,  at  the  banquet,  the  king 
desired  Esther  to  make  any  request  of  him,  and  it 
should  be  granted,  to  the  half  of  his  kingdom.  The 
repentant  king,  doubtless,  was  anxious  to  reinstate 
himself  fully  in  the  queen's  affections,  and  wished 
to  prove  it  by  some  mark  of  especial  favor,  a  love- 
token. 

The  sublime  character  of  Esther  shows  in  strong 
lines  at  this  period.  She  might  have  demanded 
that  any  sum  or  portion  of  riches  should  be  settled 
upon  herself,  and  been  sure  of  its  being  done  in  a 
magnificent  manner;  but  all  and  every  thought  of 
personal  favors  were  discarded  and  ignored,  in  her 
self-sacrificing  principle  of  devotion  to  those  who 
were  a  race  persecuted,  insulted,  and  suffering.  If 
the  objects  had  been  of  any  nation,  class,  or  people 
who  were  suspended  under  such  a  cruel  penalty,  her 
pity  would  still  have  suggested  the  plea  for  theil 
lives;  her  motive  was  not  merely  her  relation  to 
the  Jewish  race,  but  her  philanthropic  spirit  was 
her  prompter. 


t5o     ^ire  Jr^vcaXs  ni  the  <§)riettt. 


Lovely,  womanly,  and  beautiful,  Esther  appeared, 
as,  gracefully  kneeling  her  supple  figure  before  her 
husband  and  king,  she  humbly,  yet  confidently  and 
trustfully,  raised  her  large,  soft,  gazelle-like  eyes  to 
his  face,  and,  with  the  pathos  of  deep  emotion  con- 
trolling her  musical  voice,  she  uttered  the  simple 
words :  "  If  I  have  found  fa^  or  in  thy  sight,  O 
king,  and  if  it  please  the  king,  let  my  life  be  given 
at  my  petition,  and  my  people  at  my  request,  for  we 
are  sold,  1  and  my  people,  to  be  destroyed,  to  be 
slain,  to  perish."  Then  she  disclosed  her  national- 
ity and  relationship  to  Mordecai,  and  quoted  the 
edict  which  Haman  had  issued  in  the  king's  name, 
with  his  own  signature  and  seal,  and  added :  "  But  if 
we  had  been  sold  for  bond-men  and  bond-women  I 
had  held  my  peace,  although  the  enemy  could  not 
countervail  the  king's  damage." 

Such  an  appeal,  uttered  with  all  the  fervor  of  en- 
thusiasm, melted  the  king  into  the  most  profound 
emotion,  and  he  inquired  :  "  Who  is  he  ?  Where  is 
he  that  hath  presumed  in  his  heart  to  do  so  ?" 

Haman,  confounded,  speechless,  dumb  with  con- 
sternation, inwaidly  craved  of   the  gods  to  extin- 


Jplbe  ^iamti^d — Jl^stb^Ji.       i5i 


guish  him  on  the  spot  sooner  than  allow  him  to  be 
made  the  scorn  of  the  king  and  the  rest ;  but  wick- 
edness meets  its  reward,  and  he  had  to  face  the  po- 
sition, and  bear  the  levelling  of  eyes  when  Esther's 
finger  pointed  out  distinctly  his  figure  amongst  the 
others,  and  she  said  the  words :  "  Tliat  adversary, 
THAT  wicked  man,  is  Haman." 

The  king,  beyond  himself  with  indignation  and 
rage  at  the  weakness  which  he  had  suffered  to 
master  him,  the  weakness  of  indolently  allowing 
himself  to  lean  continually  on  another  for  advice 
which  his  own  kingly  mind  should  have  dictated — 
especially  as  that  confidant  was  now  proven  before 
his  face  to  be  an  arch  deceiver,  presumptuous, 
crafty,  and  selfish — would  not  suffer  his  voice  to  give 
any  expression  to  his  conflicting  feelings,  but  went 
out  into  the  garden,  possibly  to  take  a  moment  in 
which  to  consider  his  own  premises,  and  line  of  pro- 
cedure. 

Esther,  overcome  by  her  temerity,  and  nearly 
fainting  from  excess  of  emotion,  threw  her  faultless 
figure  on  a  couch,  rested  her  head  upon  one  hand, 
whilst  her  fairy  little  feet  peeped  out  from  the  edge 


1 52     ^ixrfi  J^ewels  id  the  ^)j:icttt. 


of  her  royal  robe.  She  was  the  very  impersonation 
of  beauty,  the  realization  of  the  most  enthusiastic 
Persian's  ideal  of  perfection. 

Haman,  crucified  by  horror  at  his  prospects  of 
disgrace,  banishment,  or  probably  ignominious 
death,  realized  that  the  queen's  prayers  alone  could 
save  him ;  and  in  his  extremity  forgot  all  else  and 
threw  himself  beside  her,  imploring  her  to  sue  for 
him. 

At  this  unfortunate  moment,  the  king  entered, 
and,  seeing  Haman  in  that  position,  white  with 
rage  and  just  indignation,  he  exclaimed :  "  What, 
will  he  violate  the  queen  here  in  my  own  palace !" 

This  was  sufficient.  Haman's  face  was  covered — 
significant  token ;  the  attendants  took  him  out,  and 
the  hangman  hung  him  upon  the  gallows  which  he 
had  had  erected  for  Mordecai,  and  which  was  fifty 
cubits  high.  Thus  perished  a  man  whose  wicked- 
ness suggested  the  destruction  of  a  nation,  from 
motives  of  personal  jealousy. 

Esther's  humane  nature  could  not  rejoice  in  the 
sufferings  of  any  one,  but  in  this  act  she  realized 
that  her   nation  was   saved  from  the  cruel  edict. 


jpihe  p^iamxxmd — ^j^stheu..       i53 


Ahasuenis  could  not  unsay  what  he  had  once  said, 
for  the  Persian  law  was  irrevocable,  but  he  gave  the 
Jews  each  one  the  privilege  of  defending  himself, 
and  in  this  way  they  came  out  victorious,  and 
Esther's  aflfectionate  heart  reverenced  the  king,  and 
loved,  most  fondly,  her  husband. 

After  that  every  day  recorded  some  boon  which 
the  king  granted  her.  Mordecai  was  made  prime 
minister,  and  the  Hebrews  were  all  well  provided 
for. 

To  the  disposition  of  Esther,  to  her  noble  char- 
acter, and  to  her  piety,  we  call  especial  attention. 
When,  suddenly  reduced  to  poverty,  exiled  and  de- 
pendent on  her  own  delicate  hands  for  every  ser- 
vice, she  retained  her  patience,  took  up  the  lines  of 
life  as  they  had  fallen  to  her,  and  worked  them  up 
into  a  beautiful  fabric  of  cheerful  adaptation. 

Upon  her  exaltation  to  the  throne,  the  quick  shift- 
ing of  the  scenes  in  the  drama  of  her  life  did  not 
disturb  the  equable  exercise  of  every  amiable  trait, 
but  brought  out  into  more  perfect  light  through 
contrast  the  noblest  purposes  and  strength  of  intel- 
lect, the  severest  virtue,  the  strictest  probity,  the 

7* 


1 54     ^iv c  Jewels  ixi  the  (^j^ietii. 


most  unqualified  devotion,  the  most  enthusiastic 
patriotism,  and  the  most  startling  comparisons  of 
moral  will  with  baleful  influences. 

Throughout  every  vicissitude  of  trial  and  triumph 
she  had  held  to  her  unflinching  faith  in  God,  and 
had  unhesitatingly  obeyed,  with  child-like  sim- 
plicity, her  adopted  father  Mordecai ;  had  held  to 
the  principles  which  her  early  education  indoctri- 
nated, and  never  for  a  moment  lost  the  true  sense 
of  her  obligation  to  her  fellow-creatures.  Sacred  to 
all  hearts  be  the  memory  of  Esther,  the  Star ! 

Now  as  a  star  still  brighter  she  presides, 
Where  one  continuous  joy  abides. 
True  virtue's  royalty  crowns  her  head ; 
By  majesty  of  good  her  life  is  led. 
The  beautiful  deed  has  won  its  meed, 
And  flowers  of  faith  have  riped  their  seed. 
The  stars  that  decked  her  earthly  name 
Shine  brighter  now  mid  heavenly  fame. 


MAETHA. 

"  She  riseth  also  while  it  is  yet  night,  and  giveth  meat  to  hat 
household,  and  a  portion  to  her  handmaids." 

'any  had  been  the  changes  in  the 
East  between  the    time  that   Bath 
gleaned  in  the  fields,  that  Adah  was 
sacrificed,  and  the  day  that   Martha 
entertained    beneath    her    own     roof 
"  Jesus  the  Messiah." 
"Wars  and  rumors  of  war  had  shook  the  earth  and 
sent  alarms ;  famine  had  desolated  the  land ;  pesti- 
lence depopulated  whole  sections  of  a  once-happy 
country.     Political  factions  had  grown  up;  policy 


1 58     ]i\it;e  J^w^ls  txi  the  ^xi^nt 


had  levelled  cliques ;  monarclis  had  been  dethroned, 
and  demagogues  been  exalted. 

Drought  and  flood,  fire  and  chance,  had  brought 
their  usual  degrees  of  disparity ;  yet  the  sun  shone 
as  brightly,  the  stars  twinkled  as  gleefully,  the 
moon  was  as  tender,  and  the  earth  as  willing  as 
ever. 

Men  and  women  married  and  were  given  in 
marriage,  and  humanity  had  the  same  law  of  feel- 
ing. The  gold  of  Ophir,  the  ships  of  Tarsus,  the 
dyes  from  Tyre,  and  the  fine  linen  from  Sidon,  were 
stiU  in  vogue. 

The  whole  Jewish  nation,  though  separated  by 
many  leagues  of  land  and  water,  was  existent,  and 
still  clung  tenaciously  to  the  law  of  Moses,  and 
served  in  the  tabernacle. 

The  Mediterranean  was  still  pictured  with  the 
tremulous  lily.  The  blood-red  rose  blossomed 
amidst  the  skulls  of  the  battle-field.  Diamond  and 
gold  mines  hoarded  treasures,  which  men  still  made 
ambitious  plans  to  secure. 

Trade  and  commerce  existed ;  men  were  subject 
to  the  same  passions ;  no  law  in  nature  was  affected, 


plha  ^m^rald— ^©aj^a.       1 59 


and  yet  the  epoch  of  Christ's  birth  had  come,  the 
system  of  atonement  been  instituted. 

When  we  think  of  the  preaching  of  the  Apostles, 
their  declaration  that  the  Lord  God  Almighty  had 
come  down  from  Heaven,  and  dwelt  as  mortal  man 
among  the  people,  we  are  surprised  that  such  a 
scheme  had  not  changed  the  whole  aspect  of  the 
world ;  that  all  men  were  not  converted  to  angels ; 
and  that  trade  and  merchandise  were  necessary  to 
sustain  human  interests ;  we  wonder  that  tares  ever 
grew  again  in  the  soil  of  earth. 

The  Jews  never  realized  that  their  Eedeemer 
existed  in  the  poor  Nazarene.  Their  Messiah,  that 
Isaiah  sang  about,  was  to  be  clothed  with  pomp  and 
majesty ;  his  crown  was  to  outshine  all  other  dia- 
dems. His  sceptre  should  be  potent  to  elevate  the 
whole  race  to  dignity  and  honor,  and  to  restore 
Jerusalem  to  its  pristine  grandeur. 

Only  a  few  of  the  Jews  recognized  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  as  the  Mediator. 

Not  far  from  Jerusalem,  in  the  town  of  Bethany, 
there  was  one  little  Jewish  family  who  became 
converts  to  Christ's  doctrine,  though  they  did  not 


i6o    ^ive  y^w^ls  ixi  the  ®iiieni 


really  understand  the  full  significance  of  his  mis- 
sion. They  regarded  him  in  the  light  of  a  friend, 
and  truly  and  sincerely  were  they  attached  to  him. 

Of  the  virtue  and  moral  beauty  of  the  characters 
in  this  little  family,  every  school- child  has  been 
taught.  The  circumstance  of  the  death  and  restora- 
tion of  Lazarus  is  a  household  story. 

The  actual  history  of  any  of  the  New  Testament 
characters  is  so  bare,  has  so  limited  a  margin  for 
speculation,  that  but  little  room  is  found  for  tradi- 
tional embellishment. 

Many  efforts  have  been  made  to  afford  detail, 
with  such  poor  success,  that  we  determine  to  take 
the  original  tersely-rendered  story  of  Martha,  and 
give  it,  without  embellishments  of  startling  style,  in 
its  most  natural  manner,  to  our  readers. 

So  much  merit  blends  in  Martha's  character,  that 
any  varnish  of  high  color  or  eulogy  would  set  as 
badly  in  a  picture  of  her  life  as  frippery  and  tinsel 
would  have  been  out  of  taste  in  her  toilet. 

The  house  owned  and  occupied  by  Martha,  Mary, 
and  Lazarus,  in  the  village  of  Bethany,  was  of 
moderate  dimensions.     It  was  of  ancient  date,  and 


jpihe  Kmxjrald — ^l^artba.       i6i 


ivy  clustered  around  its  walls.  Cool  and  pleasant 
the  trees  made  the  ground  around,  and  the  shadow 
of  Lebanon  reached  nearly  to  the  spot.  The  brook 
Kedron  swept  its  crystal  flood  not  far  distant,  and 
Olivet  met  the  kisses  of  the  sky  all  in  full  sight. 

Plenty  was  pictured  in  the  aspect  of  this  retired 
place,  and  from  the  doorway,  throughout  the 
house,  there  was  never  to  be  seen  speck  nor  stain  to 
offend  the  most  fastidious.  Neatness  was  apparent. 
There  was  no  need  to  inquire  if  a  tasteful  and  in- 
dustrious woman  presided  over  the  premises, — the 
assurance  of  it  was  observable  in  every  object  that 
met  the  eye. 

Martha,  Mary,  and  Lazarus  composed  the  family 
proper.  Martha  possessed,  to  an  eminent  degree, 
administrative  ability.  She  was  leader  of  the  do- 
mestic menage,  a  position  which  called  into  active 
play  her  especial  talents. 

Her  mother  realized,  before  her  death,  that 
Martha  would  be  trustworthy  as  manager  and  head 
of  the  family  after  she  was  gone,  and  felt  no  appre- 
hensions of  the  proper  training  of  the  more  delicate 
and  sensitive  Mary. 


1 62     ^ii;e  JrZVJ^ls  nt  the  <^i{i^ut 


Long  before  the  dawn  fretted  the  sky,  Maitha 
was  stirring ;  appointing  the  services  peculiar  to  the 
day,  setting  in  motion  the  machinery  of  domestic 
business,  and  arranging  the  maids  at  their  tasks. 
Theirs  was  a  family  of  consequence  in  the  village : 
she  had  her  servants. 

Even  those  in  moderate  circumstances  had  hire- 
lings and  apprentices.  We  do  not  exaggerate  when 
we  say  that  Martha  arose  so  early,  for  it  was  the 
custom  of  the  people  of  the  country.  The  most 
delightful  part  of  the  twenty-four  hours,  in  sultry  cli- 
mates, is  before  the  sun  rises.  The  air  then  seems 
to  be  impregnated  with  an  element  which  invigorates 
the  lax  frame  for  the  coming  action  of  the  sun's  rays. 

Repeated  instances  are  mentioned  in  the  Scrip- 
tures of  the  system  of  early  rising.  Bangs  and 
princes  had  the  habit  of  rising  before  the  dawn. 
Moses  was  commanded  to  stand  before  Pharaoh 
early  in  tJie  morning  as  he  came  forth  to  the  water. 

Martha's  habit  of  taking  time  by  the  forelock  was 
not  altogether  the  result  of  custom,  but  was  also 
the  natural  sign  of  her  industry,  vigilance,  economy, 
and  activity. 


Jplhc  Kmxjrald— ^liartha.       163 


She  loved  to  send  her  orisons  forth  upon  the 
wings  of  morning,  and  she  also  believed  that  it 
would  secure  health  for  her  sister,  who  was  not,  it 
seems,  of  so  vigorous  and  energetic  a  constitution 
as  herself. 

Besides,  Martha  was  thrifty,  and  looked  well  to 
the  ways  of  her  household.  She  chose,  as  all  indus- 
trious housekeepers  zviU,  to  secure  a  margin  of  day- 
light by  husbanding  the  dawn ;  she  never  let  noon 
trip  up  the  heels  of  her  morning  duties. 

Everybody  knows  how  agreeable  a  house  may  be 
in  which  a  cheerful  spirit  of  energy  is  cultivated  by 
its  mistress ;  one  who  takes  hold  of  duty  with  joy, 
and  keeps  her  actions  springing  upon  the  hinges  of 
willingness. 

The  atmosphere  of  such  a  household  reflects 
content,  and  visitors  feel  refreshed,  as  a  traveller 
does  who  comes  across  a  widespread  tree  when  its 
branches  are  filled  with  sweet  singing-birds.  If  the 
mistress  be  querulous  and  complaining,  no  one  who 
comes  under  her  influence  perceives  a  green  tree 
with  musical  songsters,  but,  instead,  withering 
boughs,  with  croaking  ravens  upon  them. 


1 64     ^iue  J^^vc^U  ni  the  ^Vii^nt 


There  was  a  sense  of  repose  in  Martha's  house,  a 
kind  of  rest,  such  as  one  experiences  when  suddenly 
rid  of  a  deafening  roar  of  water  or  machinery,  or 
the  pressure  of  a  heavy  burden  upon  the  arm.  It 
was  physical  rest  as  well  as  spiritual  repose ;  there 
was  in  the  atmosphere  a  quiet,  mingled  with  the 
serenade  murmuring  of  domestic  machinery,  which 
satisfied  the  mind  that  comforts  for  the  body  were 
in  process  of  preparation. 

The  three  orphans  were  not  forgetful  of  their 
obligations  to  their  Maker,  but  gave  grateful  re- 
sponse through  their  cheerful  willingness  to  take 
life  as  it  was  presented.  They  realized,  through 
every  sense,  the  gratification  intended ;  philosophic- 
ally regarded  the  benefits  of  Providence,  despising 
nothing,  however  trifling  in  value,  that  came  in 
their  way,  through  which  the  kindness  of  a  wise 
Creator  might  be  recognized.  Martha,  especially, 
applied  to  actions  the  injunction,  "  Whatsoever  you 
do,  do  it  heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto 
men." 

These  orphans  were  well  thought  of  in  Bethany, 
and  were  of  consequence,  for  the  town  was  called 


Jplhe  ^mei^ald. — ^liartlja.       i6S 


the  "Town  of  Martha  and  Mary."  They  were 
Israelites,  and  practised  all  the  Jewish  customs  in 
their  family  and  household. 

They  became  devoted  disciples  of  Jesus ;  through 
his  pious  teachings  perfected  themselves,  and  lived 
more  spiritedly  up  to  the  Mosaic  commandments. 
To  love  their  God  with  all  their  hearts  was  a  privi- 
lege out  of  which  grew  their  love  for  their  neigh- 
bors. 

Mary  was  the  opposite  to  Martha  in  many  traits 
of  disposition.  It  is  usual  for  us  to  find,  among  a 
family  of  five  or  six,  great  differences  of  character, 
intellect,  and  person.  Martha  was  vivacious,  ener- 
getic, nervous,  and  emphatic. 

Positive  in  principle,  she  believed  that  religion 
could  be  applied  in  every  hour  of  one's  existence ; 
was  to  be  lived,  and  not  merely  observed;  that  it 
was  something  which  might  be  practised  in  the 
occupation,  design,  and  exigencies  of  every-day 
existence;  circumscribed  by,  and  subject  to,  no 
limited  prescription  of  text  and  letter. 

Martha  exerted  her  piety  through  every  avoca- 
tion ;  she  applied  it  as  an  instrument  by  which  all 


1 66    '^j.v^  3?Bwel8  ni  ih-B  <^n-^nt 


keynotes  might  be  sounded,  and  believed  it  suit- 
able to  be  played  througliout  every  section  of  the 
passing  page  of  existence.  She  was  firm  in  resolve, 
lofty  in  aspiration,  strong  in  effort,  and  invincible  in 
integrity. 

From  Martha's  industry  there  seemed  to  emanate 
an  inspiration  for  her  handmaidens,  each  of  whom 
worked  cheerfully,  as  if  for  pleasure,  and  not  for 
wages. 

There  was  a  halo  of  geniality  which  accompanied 
her,  and  brightened  the  aspect  of  each  department 
in  which  she  was  engaged.  This  sprang  from  hope ; 
was  the  fulfillment  of  the  lively  faith  that  always 
actuated  her.  To  believe  in  the  constant  protection 
of  a  superior  Providence  was  her  principle,  the 
burden  of  every  act.  Upon  this  parallel  she 
brought  out  every  minor  aspiration. 

Martha  was  a  lily  raising  its  head  high,  and 
claiming  of  heaven  the  dew  that  it  promised. 
Mary,  the  violet  which  hung  its  head,  fearing  that 
the  dew  might  not  deem  it  of  sufficient  worth  to 
baptize ;  shrinking  and  timid,  yet  lovely  and  tender, 
waiting  to  be  taught,  never  claiming  to  teach. 


J^he^merald — ^liajitba.       167 


Martha,  as  we  have  said,  was  more  vigorous  than 
Mary  in  constitution,  and  in  person  was  opposite. 
Her  hair,  naturally  rich  in  curls,  she,  in  her  severe 
ideas  of  simplicity,  combed  back  straight  from  her 
brow.  Her  eyes  were  large  and  sparkling,  her 
mouth  firm  yet  very  tender. 

She  was  beyond  average  height,  and  properly 
proportioned.  Mary  was  small  of  stature,  fair  and 
more  spiritueUe  in  appearance ;  her  hair  was  of 
unusual  length  and  beauty.  Never  had  it  been,  she 
thought,  so  highly  adorned  as  when  spangled  with 
crystal  drops  that  adhered  when  she  made  of  it  a 
napkin  for  her  Saviour's  feet. 

Martha's  position,  as  mistress  of  a  family,  had 
matured  her  manners  into  a  matronly  dignity,  which 
enhanced  the  charm  of  her  temperamental  vivacity, 
and  secured  a  serenity  of  movement  which  was  well 
matched  with  her  person.  She  possessed  eminently 
the  great  charm  of  woman,  repose  of  manner; 
from  this  no  sudden  transition  of  feeling  could 
throw  her. 

Any  peculiar  emotion  was  manifested  by  height- 
ened color,  the  paling  or  brightening  of  her  eye,  and 


1 68     ^iire  J^Bwels  ni  the  ^iiietti 


the  dilation  of  her  nostril.  Enthusiasm  portrayed 
its  zeal  in  her  speaking  countenance,  not  through 
any  abrupt  movement  of  her  person.  Joy  could 
tune  her  voice  and  play  with  it  varied  intonations, 
but  could  not  tempt  her  into  any  boisterous  mani- 
festation. "Martha  was  troubled  about  many 
things,"  the  Scripture  says. 

To  be  the  responsible  mistress  of  a  family  is  no 
light  position  to  hold,  especially  when  one  has  so 
dear  a  charge  as  an  only  sister  and  brother  to  make 
comfortable  and  happy.  She  was  vitally  spiritual, 
though  she  gave  less  time  to  rituals  than  did  her 
sister. 

Prayer  is  in  its  highest  sense  the  aspiration  of 
the  heart,  and  can  be  achieved  while  the  body  and 
hands  are  vigorously  exercised.  It  does  not  require 
the  position  of  kneeling  to  effect  its  utterance.  It 
is  a  force  which  finds  articulation  at  the  right 
moment,  and  is  limited  by  no  terms  of  contortion. 
Martha  cultivated  it  in  every  season,  however  com- 
plicated and  vexed,  of  her  life. 

Besides  the  usual  complement  of  domestic  labor, 
she  had  her  garden  of  beautiful  sweet  shrubs  and 


jpihe  ;]^merald — ^^ai^tha.       169 


luxuriant  vegetables  to  superintend ;  azalias,  roses, 
pomegranates,  and  jessamines  mixed  their  sweets 
together  and  flourished  under  her  thrifty  hand. 

Every  one  who  had  ground  raised  grapes  and 
made  their  own  wine.  Martha's  clusters  of  purple, 
which  in  those  latitudes  grow  to  fabulous  size, 
doubtlessly  fulfilled  the  very  highest  promise  of 
cultivation.  She  had  goats  which  must  be  milked, 
and  in  her  dairy  were  to  be  found  sweet  butter  and 
young  cheese. 

Her  vines  were  her  tender  inspirers ;  she  realized 
that  no  object  of  nature  affords  so  great  a  variety 
of  allusions  as  the  vine :  the  widespreading  boughs, 
broad  leaves,  and  clustering  bunches  of  luscious 
look  and  glad  taste,  continually  suggested  symbols 
to  her  mind. 

The  faithful  Thomas,  the  companion  of   Christ, 

the   confidante  and  friend   of    Lazarus,   figured  in 

these  pictures;  sweet  thoughts  of  love  engrossed 

her  as  she  coupled  him  in  her  mind  with  a  fruitful 

bough  whose  branches  might  even  at  some  future 

time  overshadow  herself. 

She  made  wine  for  the  good  of  her  familv,  and 
8 


I70     Kiue  J'cwxjIs  ttf  the  (^viotii. 


with  her  own  hand  manufactured  linen-cloth ;  she 
also  embroidered  her  brother's  girdles. 

She  was,  of  necessity,  compelled  to  be  careful 
about  many  things,  and  worked  willingly,  or  "  with 
the  delight  of  her  hands."  Throughout  her  whole 
life  there  was  a  firmness  and  consistency  of  charac- 
ter shown  which  is  worthy  of  the  highest  admira- 
tion. 

This,  in  woman's  character,  is  a  virtue  demand- 
ing great  exercise  of  moral  and  religious  principle  ; 
because  afiection  and  feeling  unavoidably  influence 
women  generally,  which  renders  them  unstable  in 
opinion  and  liable  to  changes  of  temperament  and 
disposition. 

Mary's  relation  to  Martha  seemed  more  like  that 
of  daughter  to  mother,  from  the  fact  of  the  differ- 
ence in  their  dispositions,  though  in  reality  there 
was  but  a  small  disparity  in  their  years. 

Mary's  acute  sensibility  and  devotional  mind 
readily  imbibed  a  fervor  of  religious  strictness,  so 
that  sacrament  and  sacrifice  were  associated  with 
every  idea  of  duty,  and  disposed  her  to  a  rigid  ob- 
servance of  sacred  forms ;  made  her  more  poetical 


JlElhc  Emerald — ^l^artha.       1 7 1 


and  less  practical  than  exactly  accorded  with  Mar- 
tha's positive  ideas. 

Martha  believed  that  ordinance,  combined  with 
the  appliances  of  labor,  was  more  apt  to  effect 
rapport  with  the  spirit  of  Omnipotence  than  the 
total  neglect  of  utility  for  sacrament. 

Mary,  doubtlessly,  was  very  lovely  in  disposition 
and  manner,  as  well  as  in  her  person.  She  had 
soft  eyes,  as  tender  as  a  dove's ;  her  lips  could  not 
be  painted  and  justice  be  done  them.  Over  her 
whole  countenance  was  diffused  an  angelic  expres- 
sion. Loving,  quiet,  gentle,  devoted,  she  would 
have  made  the  most  ardent  nun,  for  she  was  never 
so  well  pleased  as  when  engaged  in  performing  the 
strict  duties  of  the  sanctuary. 

Martha  sometimes  thought  that  her  zeal  was 
carried  to  excess,  and  attempted  to  reason  with 
her  upon  the  necessity  of  attendance  to  the  actual 
requirements  of  material  life.  At  such  times, 
Mary  would  meekly  contemplate  her  sister,  promise 
to  fulfill  her  injunctions ;  but,  in  the  midst  of  her 
task,  would  evince  so  much  repugnance  for  them, 
that  Martha  was  fain  to  leave  her  to  her  own  way. 


172    Kiuc  J-ewets  ni  the  <g>j^it)nt.. 


On  one  occasion,  when  the  duties  of  housekeeping 
had  accumulated,  and  Martha's  busy  hands  and 
fertile  brain  were  not  sufficient  to  conceive  and  per- 
form, she  sadly  complained  to  Jesus  of  Mary's  in- 
difference to  her  heavy  responsibilities. 

She  was  mortified  and  pained  at  the  rebuke  con- 
tained in  His  answer :  "  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art 
troubled  about  many  things,  but  Mary  has  chosen 
the  better  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken  from  her." 

Martha  sorrowfully  turned  and  left  Mary  sitting  at 
His  feet,  drinking  in  the  beautiful  language  of  inspi- 
ration that  fell  from  his  lips;  she  contrasted  the 
pleasure  which  she  might  take  in  His  teaching,  with 
the  positive  necessity  that  existed  of  her  carefully 
providing  comfortable  cheer  for  the  beloved  Guest, 
but,  with  her  usual  self-sacrificing  spirit,  accepted 
the  blame,  determining  to  perform  double  part  and 
let  Mary  have  the  full  benefit  of  His  society,  since 
sAe  was  debarred  from  the  privilege ;  practical  in 
everything,  in  self-sacrifice  and  mortification,  as 
well  as  in  performance  of  physical  labor. 

When  the  snow-white  cloth  was  laid,  which  was 
the  work  of  her  own  hands,  Martha  remembered 


Jplhe  J^mxjrald— ^liariba.       173 


that  while  the  shuttle  was  flying  back  and  forth 
through  the  web,  she  had  lifted  up  her  heart  to  her 
God  and  begged  him  to  weave  her  every  action  into 
a  woof  of  perfect  good. 

When  the  sweet  butter  was  brought,  she  thought 
of  the  prayer  her  soul  had  uttered  as  she  churned 
it;  to  implore  God  to  create  in  the  depths  of  her 
heart,  all  good  resolves,  and  enable  her  to  turn  them 
out  in  accomplishment  of  effort. 

When  the  ripe  fruit  was  placed  in  the  baskets, 
she  called  to  mind  her  wishes  while  gathering  it, 
that  she  might  be  ripened  or  developed  into  full 
fruition  of  wisdom  and  goodness.  She  was  com- 
forted when  she  reflected  that,  through  her  inde- 
fatigable industry,  her  beloved  Jesus  would  be  com- 
fortably fed  and  entertained. 

About  Bethany  there  were  many  pleasant  ram- 
bles, and  in  the  twilight  of  evening  the  sisters  often 
went  out  to  meet  Lazarus  when  he  was  returning 
home  from  his  business.  Once,  they  were  delighted 
at  the  unexpected  sight  of  Jesus  and  Thomas  in 
company  with  him.  Thomas  was  the  dear  friend  and 
confidant  of  Lazarus,  and  also  a  disciple  of  Christ. 


1 74     ]i\ivB  Jf^w^Xs  ixi  ihz  ®  t|ient. 


The  brook  sang  its  measures;  the  stars  shone; 
the  sweet  summer-breezes  rustled  through  the  scar- 
let cactus-blossoms ;  Martha's  heart  throbbed  to  the 
sweet  emotions  of  love,  for  Thomas  held  her  hand, 
and  the  Christ,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  walked  beside 
them. 

"Wondrous  privilege  had  they ;  and  .yet  they  hu- 
manly regarded  him  as  was  best  and  right. 

Had  they  realized  that  God  was  in  Jesus  they  could 
not  have  held  him  in  the  sweet  estimation  of  friend. 
Their  awe  for  so  august  a  presence  would  have  made 
wide  separation  between  them.  Mary's  sweet  eyes 
beamed  with  a  holy  fire.  While  she  listens  to  his 
teachings,  her  heart  beats  responsive :  her  feet 
touched  the  sward  lightly  in  time  to  her  joy,  and 
her  voice  assumed  its  most  melodious  tones. 

Martha  looked  strangely  beautiful  and  queen-like, 
as  she  walked  by  the  one  she  loved  with  human  love. 

Ah!  love  will  exist,  even  though  the  feet  of  Je- 
sus tread  beside  ;  naught  that  ever  yet  touched  the 
soul  has  power  to  hush  the  strain  which  was  insti- 
tuted in  Paradise.  Martha's  face  shone  with  its  re- 
flection, the  whole  atmosphere  took  its  likeness  from 


Jplhe  Emerald — ^l^artha.       175 


the  glad  inspirer,  emotion  was  set  to  pulse,  which 
strung  the  harp  of  her  soul,  and  played  on  it  the 
sweetest  melodies  that  ever  made  glad  her  heart. 

The  murmurs  of  Kedron  sounded  like  whispering 
voices  of  angels. 

To  Jesus,  who  heard  all  the  still  tones  of  nature, 
who  communed  continually  with  the  invisible  agents, 
the  very  breeze  that  fanned  his  cheek  was  vocal 
with  the  messages  and  love-tokens  of  his  celestial 
inspirers.  Nothing  was  a  mystery  to  him  ;  he  read 
prophecy  in  everything,  from  the  dream  of  his  sleep 
to  the  death  of  a  friend. 

His  soul  was  open  to  spirit  sight ;  he  kept  com- 
pany with  prophets,  priests,  martyrs,  and  kings, 
through  his  gift. 

By  him  the  sky  was  fathomed,  space  defined,  and 
sublimity  comprehended.  He  saw  the  course  of  a 
soul  when  freed  from  its  tabernacle  of  clay,  and 
followed  the  flight  of  mind  from  one  stage  to  another 
of  immortal  progression. 

On  this  particular  evening  his  tongue  burned  with 
eloquence,  his  speech  suited  the  understanding  of 
his  friends.    Mary  and  Lazarus  walked  on  beside 


176     ^itre  Jr^vj^Xs  xxf  the  ®^ieni 


him,  Martha  and  Thomas  behind.  Sweet  flowers 
grew  on  the  borders  of  their  path;  the  glowworm 
gave  light  to  the  dewdrop  which  bathed  the  violet. 
Summer  exulted  in  fragrance  and  mellow  tints. 

Meantime,  heaven  watched,  with  its  eyes  of  stars, 
upon  the  devoted  head  that  walked  that  evening 
beneath  its  canopy. 

When  they  reached  the  house,  the  white  cluster- 
roses  that  gleamed  through  the  mist  of  evening 
were  heavy  with  fragrance,  and  Jesus  took  one 
that  Mary  gathered,  the  sweetest  spray,  and  held  it 
in  his  hand.  His  hands,  soft  and  tender,  although 
inured  to  toil,  were  fit  and  meet  to  handle  flowers, 
things  which  bring  a  sense  of  peace  and  rest,  and 
typify  purity. 

After  they  had  gone  into  the  house,  Martha 
brought  a  vessel  of  water,  and  Mary  bathed  the 
feet  of  Jesus  with  her  hands ;  this  was  a  custom 
which  Jews  were  careful  to  observe,  and  was  most 
grateful  to  Jesus,  who  had  wearily  trodden  the 
rough  ground ;  the  stones  had  bruised  his  feet,  and 
it  must  have  been  a  positive  luxury  to  have  his  tired 
members  manipulated  by  woman's  tender  hands. 


Jplhfi  ^mm^ald— ^^artba.       177 


Jesus  loved  this  family  tenderly  and  truly;  he 
was  confidant,  friend,  and  counsellor  to  them,  and 
their  house  was  a  retreat  which  he  gladly  availed 
himself  of. 

Without  a  roof  for  his  head,  or  a  couch  for  hia 
body  to  lie  on,  persecuted,  misunderstood,  misap- 
preciated,  despised,  and  slandered,  this  home  was 
to  him  a  bright  spot  in  his  existence :  the  cordiality 
of  their  friendship  touched  his  heart,  as  dew  refreshes 
flowers.  No  amount  of  adulation  bestowed  upon  a 
king  could  have  brought  so  sweet  a  savor:  their 
affection  was  bestowed  upon  a  despised  Nazarene, 
a  poor  carver  of  wood. 

Their  purity  of  motive  could  not  be  questioned. 
For  through  Jesus  they  saw  no  promise  of  future 
emolument,  no  incentive  to  a  mode  of  policy.  There 
was  no  governmental  oflfice  in  prospective  for  them 
to  play  for ;  no  judicial  post  to  aspire  to,  no  rank, 
no  gift  to  hope  for ;  they  loved  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
and  he  knew  it,  because  of  his  goodness,  his  wis- 
dom, his  powerful  gifts,  and  for  his  affection  mani- 
fested toward  them. 

Not  until  long  afterward  did  these  three  realize 
8* 


178     ]i\it;8  Jr^vs^Xs  nt  ihz  ^vimii. 


the  significance  of  his  name,  the  subKmitj  of  his 
character.  Still,  Martha's  faith  was  so  unqualified, 
so  clear,  so  full,  that  she  believed  him  capable  of 
performing  any  feat,  however  wonderful;  there  is 
nothing  that  he  taught  but  was  treasured  in  her 
thoughtful  mind.  And  after  the  dear  one  was 
buried  and  had  risen,  these  things  came  back  before 
her,  and  she  saw  plainly  what  it  all  meant, — that 
the  Comforter  whom  he  promised  to  send  them, 
after  he  was  united  to  the  Father,  was  the  Spirit  of 
himself. 

Even  when  Jesus  discoursed  to  them  about  the 
destruction  of  the  temple,  and  its  reorganization  on 
the  third  day,  it  did  not  occur  to  them  in  its  full 
significance. 

Martha's  generous  management  was  never  more 
cheerfully  appropriated,  than  when  this  loved  Guest 
tarried  with  them ;  cool  linen,  smelling  of  rose- 
leaves,  she  placed  upon  his  bed,  arranged  flowers 
on  his  table,  fixed  a  hundred  other  little  apprecia- 
tive appliances  in  his  bedchamber,  all  of  which 
were  grateful  to  the  refined  tastes  of  Jesus. 

The  appointments  of  the  whole  establishment  were 


jp^he  Emerald— gj^artba.       179 


such  as  secured  him  sweet  recreation  after  his  buf- 
fetings  with  rough  men,  who  were  deaf  to  his 
teaching,  inappreciative,  and  who  even  sought  his 
life. 

Every  one  has,  sometime  or  other,  sat  at  a  lux- 
uriously furnished  table,  where  form  and  fashion 
prescribed  the  terms,  and  can  contrast  their  sensa- 
tions at  that  meal  with  those  experienced  at  a 
dinner  that  was  served  in  a  less  costly  manner,  yet 
where  the  host  and  hostess  presided,  and  dispensed 
fervent,  unadulterated  hospitality. 

Offices  of  love,  served  by  willing,  ready  hands, 
were  what  was  accepted  and  gladly  appreciated  by 
the  lonely  Nazarene.  He  often  spoke  to  Martha  in 
praise  of  her  beautiful  dishes  and  arrangement  of 
household  affairs,  which  praise  was  worth  to  her 
more  than  rubies  and  gold. 

We  know  that  the  brain  is  dependent,  very  much, 
upon  the  stomach,  and  that  through  the  act  of 
digestion  is  the  mind  and  disposition  kept  healthy 
and  amiable,  or  the  reverse ;  that  digestion  is  pro- 
moted or  retarded  by  the  quality  of  food  taken  into 
the  stomach;  to  insure  sufficient  nutriment  to  the 


i8o     JRiv^  Jr^vc^U  ixi  tbe  Anient. 


blood,  phosphorus  to  the  brain,  and  albumen  to  the 
bones,  this  law  of  hygiene  should  be  well  under- 
stood by  the  director  of  the  culinary  department  of 
a  house.  Martha  succeeded  in  making  her  table- 
fare  wholesome  as  weU  as  agreeable.  Everything 
that  she  undertook  she  performed  thoroughly ;  her 
good  sense,  forethought,  and  discrimination  were 
rarely  led  into  mistake. 

It  was  their  p'ivilege  to  have  plenty ;  simplicity 
was  their  riHe.  Martha's  lot  was  cast  where  vigi- 
lance and  effort  were  imperative.  She  knew  that  if 
she  faltered  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  her  ap- 
pointed duties,  those  dearest  to  her  must  conse- 
quently lose  many  of  their  indulgences. 

Sometimes  housewives  in  their  zeal  to  have  their 
respectability  sustained,  become  indifferent  to  the 
interests  which  affect  their  eternal  weKare;  they 
forget  the  transitory  nature  of  secular  pursuits; 
how  quickly  what  seems  of  most  importance  to  the 
mortal  may  suddenly  drop  from  their  hands  and 
perish,  or  that  they  may,  in  a  moment's  time,  be 
separated  from  earth,  from  friends,  wealth,  rank, 
and  influence,  and  be  transferred  to  a  sphere  where 


ffihe  ;H.«»3J^ald— ^©artha.       1 8 1 


the  consequences  of  misapplied  energies  and  tal- 
ents will  be  regret  and  disappointment. 

Jesus  at  one  time  perceived  that  Martha  mfght 
possibly  become  too  much  absorbed  in  worldly 
matters,  and  hence  his  timely  rebuke.  "Martha, 
Martha,  thou  art  troubled  about  many  things.  Mary 
has  chosen  the  better  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken 
from  her." 

Lazarus  had  the  management  of  their  joint  patri- 
mony, and  was  successful  and  prosperous  in  his 
business. 

He  was  a  young  man  of  middle  stature,  athletic, 
and  healthy ;  he  had  the  complexion  and  expres- 
sion of  Mary.  He  was  refined,  his  temperament 
poetical,  and  his  tendencies  religious.  He  had  great 
taste  for  beauty,  and  a  keen  appreciation  of  power 
of  intellect ;  was  a  comfort  in  every  respect  to  his 
sisters.  His  habits  had  always  been  above  reproach. 
He  engaged  in  none  of  the  boisterous  games  of  the 
age,  nor  followed  any  vice ;  was  very  beautiful  in 
features,  and  was  a  fit  mate  for  his  beloved  friend 
Thomas. 

The  fact  that  Jesus  chose  Lazarus  for  an  intimate 


1 82     ^itre  Jfewets  ni  the  ^tiznt 


companion,  justifies  xls  in  ascribing  to  him  the  very 
highest  moral,  mental,  and  spiritual  attributes. 
Their  friendship  was  faster  than  that  of  brothers, 
and  they  rejoiced  together  over  all  that  was 
presented  to  them  through  the  divine  sight  of 
Jesus. 

Great  indeed  was  the  spiritual  benefit  conferred 
upon  the  little  family  by  the  companionship  of 
Jesus ;  we  may  conceive  that  hosts  of  angels 
attended  Christ,  that  a  train  and  retinue  of  unseen, 
invisible  spirits,  gathered  around,  and  encompassed 
him  in  their  charmed  circle,  shielding,  guarding,  and 
ministering  to  him.  The  whole  house  must  have 
been  overshadowed  by  their  influence,  whenever 
Jesus  rested  in  it. 

The  prophecies  of  Martha's  favorites,  David  and 
Isaiah,  occurred  to  her :  "  The  angels  of  the  Lord 
encampeth  around  about  them  that  fear  him  ;"  and 
again :  "  I  will  give  my  angels  charge  concerning 
thee,  that  they  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands,  lest  at 
any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone."  And 
yet  more  :  "  The  angels  shall  minister  to  him." 

Oh !  what  privilege  had  Martha ;  to  have  a  guest 


Jplh;^  Emerald— ^lia^ba.       183 


who  kept  company  with  angels ;  who  saw  heaven 
open,  and  who  was  conversant  with  Moses  and  the 
Prophets ! 

But  Jesus  was  very  much  persecuted  by  the 
people,  so  much  so  that  it  was  not  safe  for  him  to 
stay  about  Jerusalem ;  so  with  many  tears  and 
lamentations  the  family  of  Bethany  assented,,  at 
the  last  moment,  to  the  scheme  of  his  retirement  to 
another  section. 

They  went  with  him  a  part  of  the  way,  and  tried 
to  lighten  the  journey  by  every  means  they  could 
devise.  Martha  prepared  nice  bread  and  cake,  and 
put  up  a  bottle  of  her  own  wine  for  him  to  refresh 
himself  with.  Mary  worked  his  girdle  and  placed 
within  it  a  testimonial  of  her  love  and  tender  inter- 
est. When  at  last  they  had  to  separate,  they  kissed 
him  and  returned. 

Many  were  their  apprehensions  concerning  him, 
until  they  heard  that  he  had  reached  Bethabara, 
and  that  he  had  some  of  his  disciples  with  him. 

Martha,  after  his  departure,  prophetically  con- 
jectured that  some  calamity  would  happen  to  them, 
and  could  not  stifle  her  apprehensions.    With  these 


1 84     'WM^  Jr^waXs  ni  the  ^xix^nt 


forebodings  she  did  not  care  to  distress  Mary,  who 
was  already  afflicted  at  the  departure  of  Jesus. 
Martha  was  prepared  for  the  illness  of  Lazarus, 
which  commenced  soon  after,  and  which  terminated 
so  fatally. 

The  dearly-beloved,  affectionate,  beautiful  brother 
was-  stricken  down  with  a  nervous  disorder,  and 
despite  the  skill  of  the  Jewish  doctors,  who  were 
very  attentive  and  learned  besides,  and  the  unceas- 
ing ministrations  of  the  two  afflicted  sisters,  he  grew 
worse  and  worse.  At  this  point  Martha  wrote  to 
Jesus,  and  sent  the  letter  by  an  especial  messenger, 
informing  him  of  the  illness  of  Lazarus. 

This  one  act  is  sufficient  to  demonstrate  the  in- 
domitable faith  of  Martha ;  the  fact  of  the  wording 
of  the  letter.  She  used  no  entreaties,  put  forth  no 
complaints,  uttered  no  murmurs,  but  only  said : 
"  Our  brother  Lazarus,  whom  you  love,  is  sick  nigh 
unto  death."  She  believed  that  the  knowledge  of 
their  need  would  be  sufficient  to  bring  Jesus  straight 
to  them  ;  she  knew  of  his  wonderful  powers  to  heal, 
and  felt  sure  that  all  would  be  well  if  he  could  once 
more  return. 


10.h^  ;;^meiiatd— gj^iartha.       i85 


Wonderful  faith  is  this,  which  realizes  that  the 
demand  of  the  soul  will  be  sufficient  to  insure  its 
supply. 

Of  course,  it  was  not  necessary  for  Jesus  to  receive 
written  intimation  of  the  illness  of  his  friend,  for  his 
soul  perceived  his  condition,  though  leagues  of  land 
and  water  separated  them.  Yet  he  went  not,  at 
once,  for  he  knew  that  there  was  a  particular  pur- 
pose to  effect,  and  he  remained  away  intentionally. 

In  the  meantime  Lazarus,  young,  fresh,  vigorous, 
and  the  beloved  of  Jesus,  withered  and  wasted,  his 
pulse  sank,  and  at  last,  without  a  groan  or  sign  of 
pain,  he  took  on  the  deep  sleep  from  which  the 
doctors  and  friends  never  expected  to  see  him 
restored. 

Great  was  the  agony  of  distress  into  which  the 
sisters  were  thrown,  though  Martha  still  expected 
Jesus,  and  believed  that  he  could  give  them  conso- 
lation. All  families  of  consequence  about  Jerusa- 
lem had  vaults ;  Martha  had  a  family-tomb  where 
were  laid  her  father  and  mother;  into  this  was 
Lazarus  laid  away,  after  they  had  kept  him  out 
three  days. 


1 86     ^iue  Jewels  ni  the  Orient. 


Martha  wariclered  about  restlessly.  It  was  the 
custom  with  the  Jews  for  the  doctors  to  stay  with 
the  family  after  the  decease  of  their  patient,  and  to 
render  all  the  comfort  in  their  power ;  the  house  is 
also  put  in  mourning,  and  the  bereaved  are  draped 
in  the  sable  symbols  of  woe.  Martha  could  not  sit 
still ;  a  spirit  of  restlessness  occupied  her.  On  the 
fourth  day  after  her  Vjrother's  death,  she  perceived 
that  Jesus  was  near,  and  ran  to  meet  him. 

She  fell  upon  her  knees  and  uttered  the  words : 
"If  thou  hadst  been  here  my  brother  had  not 
died ;"  and  after  his  answer,  added  :  "  but  I  know 
that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou  wilt  ask  of  the 
Father  he  will  give  it  thee."  Wondrous  faith !  her 
heart  throbbed  with  expectancy;  her  Lord  had 
come,  and  she  trusted  him. 

Thomas,  at  the  first  intimation  of  Lazarus'  death, 
had,  while  the  other  apostles  urged  him  not  to  go 
where  so  short  a  time  before  the  Jews  had  tried  to 
stone  him,  begged  Jesus  to  accompany  him  back,  for 
his  grief  was  so  great  that  he  said,  "Let  us  go 
back,  and  die  with  him." 

He  was  now  in  company  with  Jesus,  and  the  tears 


jpihc  ^mcrald — ^j^artha.       187 


of  Martha  greatly  distressed  and  pained  him.  He 
looked  wistfully  at  the  friend  of  whom  so  much  was 
always  expected,  and  when  Martha  retired  to  call 
Mary  and  give  her  secret  information  of  the  arrival 
of  the  beloved  Jesus,  Thomas  moved  involuntarily 
toward  the  sepulchre,  having  hold  of  the  arm  of 
Jesus;  then  Mary  came  forward  and  related  her 
woes.     "  Jesus  wept." 

The  history  of  the  tragedy  at  the  sepulchre  all 
are  so  familiar  with,  that  we  cannot  invest  the  sim- 
ple fact  with  any  description  which  would  seem  new 
or  add  interest.  It  speaks  for  itself,  and  the  great 
nature  of  the  event  is  beyond  mere  rhythmetrical 
calculation  to  portray.  But  the  strength  of  Mar- 
tha's character  shone  out  through  the  trying 
ordeal ;  serene  and  calm  she  stood,  while  the  voice 
of  her  Lord  called  aloud  for  Lazarus  to  come 
forth. 

There  were  many  present  who  did  not  believe 
that  Christ  could  effect  the  end  he  proposed ;  even 
Mary  trembled  with  apprehension.  What  if  he 
failed?  his  own  reputation  was  at  stake  as  well  as 
her  hope ;  the  Jews  stood  ready  to  accuse  him  of 


1 88     ^itre  J^ewcU  ni  the  (Orient. 


making  false  professions  if  he  failed,  and  equally 
ready  to  accuse  and  condemn  him  if  he  succeeded. 
Thomas  stood  by  holding  a  hand  of  each  of  the 
sisters ;  his  heart  beating  quick,  his  sympathies 
keenly  alive,  his  anxiety  intense. 

It  was  indeed  a  moment  of  great  suspense.  Stout 
hearts  and  strong  faith  were  necessary  for  the  occa- 
sion. The  servants  stood  grouped  around  the  two 
sisters,  contemplating  them  with  serious  eyes ;  those 
who  had  been  accustomed  to  regard  Martha  as  a 
person  of  superior  mind  and  fortitude,  watched  her 
with  suspended  breath  ;  they  perceived  that  she  was 
equal  to  the  crisis  ;  the  faith  that  had  prompted  her 
speech — "  Even  now,  if  thou  wilt  ask  the  Father,  he 
will  give  thee  Lazarus  back  to  life,"  sustained  her. 
She  believed,  and  she  realized. 

After  Lazarus  was  restored,  and  his  energies 
somewhat  resuscitated,  he  was  lifted  in  solicitous 
hands  to  his  house.  Mary  sat  at  his  feet  and 
bathed  them  with  glad  tears,  while  Martha,  radiant 
with  the  lustre  of  hope  realized,  daintily  fed  him 
with  nourishing  food ;  Thomas  knelt  beside  her, 
while  Jesus,  the  wonderful  Physician,  stood  con- 


Jplh;$  ^l^meraU— ^l^ajitba.       189 


templating  the  result  of  his  skill,  the  observed  of 
all  observers.  Martha's  cheeks  were  deeply  dyed 
with  scarlet,  always  a  sign  with  her  of  great  emo- 
tion ;  her  hand  trembled  a  little,  while  her  eyes 
beamed  with  a  hundred  new  joys. 

Lazarus  was  so  contented,  so  easy,  so  sweetly 
compelled  to  be  administered  to,  that  his  senses, 
still  weak  from  long  fasting  and  confinement  in  the 
vault,  were  scarcely  yet  able  to  realize  that  he  was 
not  in  a  state  of  beatitude. 

There  were  enemies  on  the  scene,  fierce  scowl- 
ers,  who  were  even  th&n  concocting  plans  to  murder 
this  great  Healer,  and  who  soon  went  out  to  take 
counsel  together  for  his  destruction. 

After  a  few  days  the  household  of  this  "little 
family  "  was  restored  to  its  usual  order,  and  Martha 
assiduously  applied  herself,  with  renewed  dispatch, 
to  her  domestic  duties. 

She  left  Mary  to  attend  personally  to  Lazarus, 
who  was  somewhat  weak  and  unsettled,  whilst  she 
traversed  every  department.  Like  humming-birds, 
her  feet  flew  about  with  the  alacrity  of  affection  and 
interest ;  every  one  of  her  movements  was  dictated 


I90    ]i\itre  Jr^wiiX?>  nt  ih^  ^r[i^ni. 


by  thankfulness ;  for  Lazarus,  her  beloved  brother, 
was  among  them  again,  brought  up  from  the  grave ; 
for  HIM  now  she  might  work ;  her  old  incentive  was 
restored. 

Thomas,  also,  the  inspirer  of  all  sweet  melodies  of 
her  heart,  her  pattern  of  excellence  and  picture  of 
beauty,  was  near  her. 

Martha  was  so  great  in  her  excellence  of  faith, 
that  she  worked  as  but  few  ever  did.  She  lived  and 
practised  her  faith,  through  every  moment  of  secular 
life ;  well  might  Thomas  regard  her  as  a  miracle 
of  beauty,  amiability,  and  Christian  virtue. 

This  friend,  counsellor,  physician,  was  compelled 
to  secrete  himself.  Thomas,  John,  and  Martha  pri- 
vately arranged  a  mode  of  administering  to  him, 
as  long  as  it  might  be  necessary  for  him  to  remain 
secreted. 

It  was  late  one  evening,  when  the  shadows  had 
grown  thick,  the  dew  was  falling,  and  the  murmurs 
of  Salem  came  through  the  distance,  that  a  group  of 
four  or  five  might  have  been  found  standing  under 
the  shades  of  a  Lebanon  cedar.  Sobs,  incapable  of 
repression,  smote  the  still  atmosphere.     Mary  was 


IWhfi  Emerald — ^liartba.       1 9 1 


leaning  her  head  upon  the  bosom  of  Jesus,  taking 
leave  of  her  beloved  Lord ;  amid  so  many  threaten- 
ing dangers,  she  believed  that  she  would  not  meet 
him  again.  He  kissed  her,  spoke  consoling  words, 
and  was  gone  out  into  the  darkness,  while  Mary  and 
another  sorrowfully  went  home  again. 

Joyful  was  the  effect  of  His  appearance  again, 
when,  six  days  before  the  Passover,  he  came 
straight  to  the  house  of  his  friends.  Many 
strangers  were  anxious  to  behold  him  who  was 
capable  of  such  wondrous  deeds. 

And  Martha,  ever  watchful  of  his  dignity,  proud 
for  his  honor,  proposed  to  her  brother  and  sister 
that  they  give  him  a  great  feast  or  supper.  A  sup- 
per under  such  circumstances,  she  knew,  would 
prove  their  appreciation  of  him  to  the  whole 
people ;  for  among  the  Jews  a  manifestation  of 
that  kind  was  an  especial  honor  to  the  one  to  whom 
it  was  given.  A  supper  denoted  full  fellowship  and 
perfect  friendship. 

To  this  both  agreed ;  so  with  joyful  alacrity  they 
set  about  to  have  prepared  all  that  culinary  skill 
could  devise  for  the  table,  or  that  good  taste  and 


192    ^ii;:e  Jewels  ixi  the  ®Jiient. 


ingemiity  might  suggest  for  the  full  pleasure  of  the 
occasion. 

It  was  a  success.  The  most  remarkable  act  of 
Martha,  but  one  which  was  entirely  characteristic 
of  her  perfection  of  Christian  character,  was  her 
humility  in  serving  with  her  own  hands  at  the  table. 

Her  elastic  figure  swayed  gracefully  back  and 
forth  in  her  polite  service.  She  wore  a  flowing  robe 
of  green,  with  a  soft,  white  lace-veil  which  shaded 
her  beautiful  throat,  and  was  lightly  thrown  back 
from  her  pure  brow.  One  single  ornament  she 
wore — a  sprig  of  green,  a  bit  of  cedar  which  Tho- 
mas had  begged  her  to  wear,  reminding  her  that 
it  was  a  fit  emblem  of  her  faith  and  constancy  to  all 
whom  she  claimed  as  friends. 

Thomas  gallantly  assisted  her  to  serve,  or  to  wait 
upon  the  table,  and  we  may  imagine  what  an  im- 
pression her  act  of  humility  before  this  large  com- 
pany created,  for  she  was  a  woman  of  rank,  and  in 
circumstances  above  any  such  office.  They  as- 
cribed consequence  to  a  guest  who  was  worthy  of 
such  an  act  of  devoted  attention. 

Joyfully  fled  the  hours  to  the  guests  generally, 


^ha  Emerald — ^l^ajitba.       19; 


tliougb  to  some  there  was  a  sorrowful  beckoning  of 
calamity,  and  Jesus  himself  knew  of  what  cup  he 
must  soon  drink. 

We  must  leave  Martha  while  the  nour  is  rosy 
with  hope  and  joy ;  while  the  beautiful  inspiration  of 
faith  lighted  her  eyes,  and  gave  swift  step  to  her 
feet ;  while  the  pleasure  of  sight  was  hers,  and  the 
realization  of  the  presence  of  those  dearest  on  earth 
to  her,  made  glad  her  heart ;  while  Jesus  was  there, 
and  light  and  music  and  wine  painted  red  the  season. 

We  rmcst  draw  the  curtain  before  the  darknes* 
which  settled  upon  Gethsemane  is  presented;  be- 
fore the  vail  of  the  Temple  is  rent  in  twain. 

Nothing  that  could  be  woven  farther  would  con- 
stitute a  more  perfect  picture  than  what  we  have 
already  tried  to  portray ;  of  Martha's  faith,  indus- 
try, zeal,  truth,  and  constancy,  manifested  not  only 
through  outward  observance  in  sanctified  places, 
but  in  every  action  and  event  of  her  private  life. 

Martha  stands  prominent  and  fairest  in  the  galaxy 
of  "  Faithful  Ones ;"  may  each  and  all  of  her  sisters, 
in  Israel  and  in  Christendom,  imitate  her  excellent 
example. 


ELECTA. 

T  was  midniglit.  In  an  elegant  room, 
upon  a  luxurious  couch,  a  matron 
slept.  The  moonbeams  came  in  at  the 
window;  not  being  satisfied  to  burnish 
into  splendor  the  silver  mountings  of  the 
furniture,  they  stole  across  the  Persian 
ciiipet,  and  kissed  the  hair,  eyes,  and  lips  of  the 
beautiful  lady;  and  invisible  angels  were  there, 
"  encamping  about  her  whom  the  Lord  loved." 

Worthy  was  she  of  the  ministration  of  angels, 
for  she  was  full  of  grace,  moral  virtue,  and  practical 
piety.  While  the  moonbeams  ravished  her  face, 
she  was  dreaming;  the  pictures  painted  upon  her 


198    'MM^  Jewals  txi  ih^  ^x^i^ni. 


sleep  were  doubtlessly  intended  for  prophetic  warn- 
ings. 

She  dreamt  that  it  was  a  future  day,  full  of 
turbulence  ;  that  strange  factions  had  sprung  up, 
for  which  men  and  women  were  willing  to  be  mar- 
tyrs ;  slie  saw  bloodshed,  a  mob,  a  rough  giant,  who 
came  forward  and  proposed  terms,  which  he  said 
would  be  sufficient  to  expiate  some  gross  ofltence 
she  had  committed,  but  what,  she  did  not  perceive  ; 
she  declined  his  terms ;  he  gave  her  blows,  dragged 
her  by  the  hair,  and  she  was  about  to  perish  when 
sho  saw  a  light,  and  from  it  came  a  voice,  saying : 
"  Whosoever  believeth  in  me,  though  he  perish,  yet 
will  I  sustain  him." 

The  dawn  of  morning  broke  over  the  world,  the 
sunshine  replaced  the  moonbeams,  light  of  day 
baptized  her  face,  compelled  the  ugly  vision  to  pass, 
and  restored  the  cheerful  consciousness  of  safety 
which  morning  always  brings ;  but  for  a  long  time 
the  impression  of  Electa's  dream  remained  fixed 
upon  her  mind,  and  thrills  of  apprehension  would 
seize  her  when  she  related  it. 

The  dwelling  of  Electa  was  of  a  style  of  archi- 


plhe  JKlub;\j— Electa.  1 99 


tecture  which  the  extravagant  period  of  her  grand- 
parents recommended;  gold  and  silver  were  not 
rare  in  panellings,  cornice,  and  doors.  Built  of  the 
finest  material  that  artisans  could  find,  and  embel- 
lished without  regard  to  cost,  it  stood,  fair  and 
elegant  to  behold  from  the  exterior,  pleasant,  cheer- 
ful, and  splendid  within.  A  fit  abode  was  this  for 
our  "  Chosen  Lady." 

Electa  had  been  brought  up  amidst  the  gorgeous 
scenes  and  circumstances  of  Oriental  wealth,  and 
when  she  inherited  this  residence  and  came  to  oc- 
cupy it,  she  delighted  to  add  improvements,  and  to 
adorn  it  with  some  of  the  fashions  of  her  far-distant 
native  East.  Luxury  abounded,  yet  good  taste  and 
reason  controlled  the  appointments  of  this  extensive 
establishment. 

The  situation  was  one  of  exceeding  beauty;  ro- 
mantic and  picturesque,  it  yet  retained  enough  of 
what  we  call  feudal  aspect  to  inspire  us  with  an 
idea  of  the  chivalric  days  when  heroes  assembled 
with  their  legions  at  the  feast,  where  the  victor,  pre- 
ferring honor  to  conquest,  might  be  imagined  riding 
up  to  the  very  door  to  have  the  badge  of  victory, 


200     ]i^iv^  Jr^vc^Xs  ixi  the  ^Jii^tti 


made  of  hollj-leaves,  placed  upon  his  brow  by  the 
ruler  and  president  of  the  game. 

Behind  there  was  the  sparkling  water;  to  the 
right  the  fertile  fields,  filled  with  loaded  vineyards ; 
to  the  left,  the  distant  turrets  of  a  great  city,  and 
overhead,  the  fairest  sky  that  ever  canopied  a  land. 

There  were  successive  terraces  around  the  house. 
Spreading  widely  out  were  gardens  of  paradisaical 
appearance.  Fountains  of  exquisite  design  played 
in  every  proper  place,  the  bottoms  of  whose  basins 
were  made  to  reflect  the  water,  and  magnify  it  to 
startling  depths. 

Natural  beauty,  adorned  by  every  suggestion  of 
art,  conspired  to  make  this  spot  beautiful  indeed. 
There  were  aviaries  which  excited  the  wonder  of 
the  learned  naturalist.  Miniature  museums  were 
fitted  with  curious  and  beautiful  specimens;  flowers, 
whose  types  were  not  elsewhere  known,  flourished ; 
the  foliage  of  the  spice-trees  made  the  air  redolent 
of  perfume.  There  were  artificial  fans  operated, 
and  a  dew  created  by  an  expensive  apparatus, 
which,  let  the  day  and  season  be  as  sultry  as  they 
might,    made    the    atmosphere    cool    and    balmy. 


^hD  J^ubij — l^lecia.  201 


Clear  streams  were  turned,  and  made  to  run  their 
course  over  wires,  which  caught  the  Hquid  woof  and 
wove  it  into  music. 

For  fourteen  years  Electa  occupied  this  beautiful 
spot,  before  we  introduce  her.  Five  sons  had  been 
born  to  her,  each  one  healthy,  intelligent,  and  amia- 
ble. In  those  days  gymnastic  exercises  made  an 
important  branch  in  young  men's  education,  and 
through  the  exercise  of  athletic  sports  our  Electa's 
sons  had  strengthened  their  sinews  and  secured 
elasticity  of  muscle. 

Electa's  husband  was  a  Greek,  of  elegant  accom- 
plishments. He  had  been  reared  among  nobles 
who  were  his  peers.  He  was  gifted  with  many  vir- 
tues ;  his  fine  person,  set  off  by  graceful  manners, 
made  him  a  meet  companion,  in  external  beauty,  for 
Electa ;  while  his  tnily  amiable,  independent,  and 
noble  spirit  created  the  true  congeniality  without 
which,  in  wedlock,  there  can  be  no  true  happiness. 
He  had,  whilst  a  youth,  won  many  prizes  for  vic- 
tories achieved  in  the  different  branches  of  art 
peculiar  to  the  age  and  nation. 

They  had  been  brought  up  in  the  midst  of  hea- 
9* 


202     ^,ivc  JrHVij^Xs  ni  the  ^i[izni. 


thendom,  where  the  worship  of  the  living  God 
Almighty  was  not  known  or  recognized. 

Feasts  and  observances  were  held,  in  which  out- 
lays were  required,  of  such  costliness,  brilliance,  and 
display,  as  would,  if  described  for  our  readers, 
induce  them  to  imagine  that  we  copied  the  Genii 
of  Aladdin's  lamp.  Games,  exercises,  and  exploits 
in  wrestling  were  introduced  as  a  part  of  the  grand 
season  of  Feasts,  and  Adrian  was  expert  in  all. 

Electa  had  met  him  at  the  coronal  of  one  ol 
these  matches,  where  a  single  wreath  of  wild  olive 
was  his  sole  reward  for  victories  which  men  would 
have  set  any  time,  labor,  and  means  to  accomplish. 
Honor  was  his  incentive ;  no  mean  impulse  ever 
actuated  him.  As  Electa  was  a  virgin  princess, 
she  was  entitled  to  an  honorable  seat  on  occasion 
of  feasts. 

She  first  saw  Adrian  when  the  highest  honor  was 
conferred  upon  him  that  young  men  ever  aspired 
to ;  that  of  having  the  year  dated  with  his  name ; 
placed  in  the  calendar,  and  in  front  of  all  laws  made 
in  the  same  year  with  the  victory.  That  his  name 
was   thus   honored,  she   herself  beheld.    He  had 


jpihD  ^uby;— Kleota.  203 


carried  his  ambition  of  making  a  great  figure  in 
games  as  far  as  any  man ;  and  distinguished  himself 
in  the  most  splendid  manner. 

In  some  instances,  where  Olympic  games  were 
celebrated,  ladies  were  admitted  to  dispute  the  prizes. 
There  are  statuary  and  paintings  descriptive  of  female 
victors  yet  to  be  seen  in  ancient  cities,  but  our  Electa 
was  too  retiring  in  her  sweet  nature  to  compete  with 
men  for  a  prize ;  she  was  satisfied  that  her  Adrian 
should  wear  all  badges  of  public  distinction,  and  was 
contented  to  shine  in  the  reflected  light  of  his  honor. 

She  married  him  when  he  and  she  both  were 
worshippers  of  gods,  and  amidst  the  oriental  cus- 
toms, under  a  tropical  sun,  lived  with  him  six  sweet 
years.  But  after  the  death  of  her  grandfather,  who 
was  an  Israelite  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  they  removed 
to  Judea  to  enjoy  their  ancestral  inheritance. 

Old  ties  called  loudly  to  Adrian  to  return  to  his 
native  land,  but  the  wife  and  one  little  boy  were  so 
delighted  to  remain,  that  he  became  persuaded  to 
content  himself,  and  made  his  adopted  home  and 
country  as  dear  to  his  affections  as  he  could. 

He  often  took  Electa   and    her   older  boys    to 


204     ]E\we  J'^wcls  ni  the  ®ne»i 


Rome,  and  by  narrating  the  history  of  pictures, 
architecture,  statues,  and  scenes  to  his  intelligent 
children,  making  every  narrative  agreeable  by 
traditional  description,  he  hoped  to  foster  a  clas- 
sical taste  in  their  impressible  minds,  in  which 
wish,  from  the  subsequent  history  of  one,  at  least, 
of  his  sons,  he  was  not  disappointed. 

Electa,  whose  beautiful  tastes  were  nurtured  to 
the  utmost  capability,  revelled  in  all  the  accessories 
that  a  new  field  of  study  presented,  and  she  and  her 
husband  were  wont  to  visit  the  ruins  of  Sodom,  the 
sepulchral  shades  of  the  tombs  of  Absalom  and  the 
prophets,  and  the  catacombs ;  with  the  law  of  Mo- 
ses and  the  chronicles  of  the  Jews  she  was  so  de- 
lighted, that  every  traditionary  foot  of  soil  awakened 
to  her  reaching  mind  a  new  vista  through  which  she 
beheld  the  One  Great  God. 

The  religion  of  her  forefathers  came  back  to  the 
grandchild  as  an  inheritance ;  she  had  cast  from  her 
the  last  vestige  of  idolatrous  opinion,  and  was  to 
be  found  in  the  Tabernacle  worshipping  with  the 
Israelites,  where  she  first  heard  of  the  Jesus  of 
whom  the  apostles  preached. 


PlbB  JSlubij— ;]^l3X5ta.  2o5 


She  was  ripe  for  the  New  Testament,  for  she  com- 
prehended in  the  Old  the  dispensation  that  should 
ensue. 

In  her  conformation,  elements  which  constitute 
the  basis  for  grand  action  existed,  and  yet  she  pos- 
sessed eminently  germs  of  all  the  finest,  most  sensitive 
susceptibilities  of  modesty  and  retiiement.  She  com- 
bined the  two  best  qualities  of  woman — practica- 
bility and  silence.  She  was  of  a  disposition  more 
pensile  to  dictation  than  Marthd'Sf  yet  somewhat 
like  in  activity. 

Though,  at  the  time  that  we  introduce  her  to  our 
readers,  of  the  age  of  forty,  she  was  not  nearly  re- 
cognizable as  that.  So  fresh  and  radiant  were  her 
personal  charms,  in  fact,  that  Adrian  was  furnished 
with  a  new  remark  for  each  successive  birthday 
anniversary,  upon  her  improved  bloom  and  beauty. 

Her  skin  was  of  pearly  whiteness,  with  a  soft, 
warm  glow  of  peach  in  her  cheeks :  eyes  deep  blue, 
tender,  and  full  of  love ;  eyes  which  talk  as  well  as 
see.  A  deep  dimple  in  her  chin,  which  Adrian  called 
the  index  of  her  mind;  for  when  the  sunshine  of 
smiles  came  over  it,  it  deepened  in  sympathy,  when 


2o6     ^ive  Jr^vcaU  ni  the  ®  i^iewt. 


seriousness  prevailed,  it  nearly  faded  out.  Her  brow 
was,  contrary  to  the  usual  contour  of  Eastern  faces, 
high,  of  serene  and  noble  character. 

Expression  was  what  constituted  principally  her 
indescribable  loveliness.  She  was  of  ordinary  height, 
elastic  in  her  movements,  and  poetical  in  her  tem- 
peramental gestures. 

Electa's  voice  was  in  itself  a  charm ;  through  it 
the  slightest  emotion  was  discernible ;  the  most 
delicate  changes  of  feeling  were  declared  in  each 
inflection.  It  is,  after  all,  no  wonder  that  she  was 
so  lovely,  for  she  was  an  elect  lady,  one  whom 
guardian  angels  sustained,  and  through  whom  the 
holy  light  was  to  come,  and  who  was  meet  to  be 
exalted  above  an  ordinary  type. 

She  was  one  day  relating  to  her  youngest,  a 
bright,  blue-eyed  boy  of  six,  some  oriental  fairy  tale, 
when  Gains,  her  eldest-born,  came  in,  his  eyes  glis- 
tening, his  whole  face  full  of  excitement ;  but  who 
was  too  well-trained,  notwithstanding,  to  give  utter- 
ance to  any  impetuous  speech. 

The  mother  perceived  that  something  of  an  inter- 
esting and  novel  nature  had  occurred,  which  he  was 


J^htJ  ^ubij— Electa.  207 


burning  to  tell  her,  who  was  his  confidant  and  most 
intimate  companion,  but  she  drew  a  crimson-colored 
velvet  cushion  nearer  to  her,  merely  observing,  "  Sit 
near  to  mother,  my  love." 

Gains  took  off  the  student's  cap  from  his  head, 
and  let  the  rich  brown  curls  hang  low  upon  his 
neck. 

His  sensitive  nostril  dilated,  and  the  red  spot 
in  his  cheek  indicated  unusual  excitement,  but  still 
he  kept  silent,  waiting  for  his  mother's  invitation  to 
speak. 

The  mother's  feeling  was  too  tender  to  allow  the 
effort  for  silence  longer  to  pain  him,  so,  after  kissing 
the  little  one  on  her  knee,  and  advising  him  to  go 
gently  down  the  flight  of  steps  to  the  garden,  she 
turned  her  face  toward  Gains,  placed  her  hand  in 
his,  and  with  the  love-notes  of  her  voice  set  to 
their  sweetest  cadence,  she  asked,  "  What  is  it,  my 
son?" 

Then  the  eloquent  speech  came  fast  and  ardent. 
"  Mother,  I  have  heard  that  there  is  a  man  called 
Jesus  who  is  performing  miracles  such  as  none 
other,  living  or  dead,  has  ever  done ;  there  is  a 


2o8    "^itre  JPewBls  ni  ih^  <E>ti^nt 


rumor  that  he  has  brought  to  life  a  young  girl  who 
was  dead  ;  there  are  diversities  of  opinion  in  regard 
to  his  origin  and  wonderful  power ;  some  contending 
that  he  is  of  Diabolus,  others  that  he  is  of  the  Lord 
God,  and,  Mother,  think  what  a  monstrous  sugges- 
tion !  that  he  is  the  Lord  God  himself." 

His  voice  fell  to  a  whisper,  his  excitement  grew 
intense.  Electa's  dimple  was  gone,  the  shade  of 
deep  thought  was  upon  her. 

For  one  moment  she  sent  her  thoughts  tele- 
graphing through  Jewish  tradition ;  her  inspira- 
tional monitors  crowded  her  mind  and  whispered : 
"The  Messiah!"  She  believed,  she  realized,  she 
rejoiced,  and  she  prophesied. 

Never  had  Gains  heard  such  words  uttered  as  fell 
from  the  inspired  lips  of  his  mother ;  there  seemed 
to  have  come  a  tongue  of  fire  to  point  her  language, 
and  under  the  influence  Gaius  also  became  con- 
trolled, and  they  declared  together  that  this  Jesus 
was  the  Messiah  that  sweet-lipped  Isaiah  had  sung 
about. 

That  the  revelation  of  a  new  dispensation  was 
inaugurated,  and  that  upon  the  Old  Testament  was 


J^Uhe  JHubtj— ^iDcta.  209 


to  be  laid  a  page  wbicli  would  reveal  its  mystical 
pictures,  and  suit  other  coming  eras. 

From  this  time  forth  she  and  Gains  talked  to- 
gether of  the  prophecies  of  the  old  Bible,  forming 
conclusions  favorable  to  their  peculiar  views. 

A  beautiful  contrast  the  son  and  mother  afforded, 
their  heads  bent  together  over  the  same  volume, 
Gaius  often  raising  his  face,  which  was  browned  by 
his  frequent  excursions  through  the  sunshine  to 
Jerusalem ;  Electa's  face  by  his  looking  like  a  drift 
of  snow. 

Enthusiastic  and  devoted,  they  enjoyed  their  opin- 
ions, and  though  Adrian  was  not  convinced  of  the 
truth  of  Christ's  divine  nature,  he  willingly  listened. 
Adrian  was  slower  to  realize  the  divine  light,  and 
not  until  after  Christ's  crucifixion  and  resurrection 
was  he  fully  converted. 

Let  our  readers  imagine  after  this  with  what 
interest  Electa  watched  the  course  of  events  con- 
cerning the  "  Son  of  Man,"  how  every  rumor  of  a 
new  miracle  exalted  her  spirits,  how  news  of  his 
persecution,  misappreciation,  insult,  and  neglect, 
must  have  pained  her,  how  useless  seemed  to  her 


2IO    ^itre  Jfewels  txi  the  ^^Xii^ni. 


rank,  position,  wealth,  and  friends,  since  he  whom 
she  so  sincerely  admired,  loved,  and  reverenced,  was 
an  outcast,  a  wanderer,  without  a  roof  to  shelter  him. 

Many  plans  did  her  fertile  fancy  conceive  for  his 
benefit,  but  of  little  avail ;  and  never  once  did  she 
behold  him. 

It  was  after  the  terrible  tragedy  of  Gethsemane, 
when  the  disciples  had  been  appointed  by  the  risen 
Lord  to  preach  j  after  he  ascended  to  the  Father, 
and  sent  his  Spirit  back  to  the  apostles,  which  sat 
upon  them  and  controlled  them  to  utterances  of  his 
law  and  will,  that  Electa  began  to  be  most  prac- 
tically serviceable  in  the  cause  of  the  disciples' 
doctrine. 

Gains  made  personal  acquaintance  with  Jesus, 
and  was  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  the  beautiful 
Nazarene ;  he  treasured  up  his  sayings  to  repeat  to 
his  mother,  and  whenever  he  could,  without  giving 
offence,  he  had  conveyed  to  Mary,  the  mother,  who 
lived  in  Bethlehem,  gifts  of  value  through  Martha 
and  Mary  of  Bethany. 

After  the  miraculous  resuscitation  of  Lazarus,  the 
house  of  these  sisters,  and  their  names,  became 


Jplhe  J^utx^— ;^lecta.  2 1 1 


traditional  among  many  people  far  and  near,  and 
afterward,  when  Martha  distinguished  herself  by 
her  beautiful  deportment  at  the  feast  given  to  Jesus 
during  the  Passover,  she  especially  was  much 
thought  of  by  both  friends  of  Jesus  and  those  op- 
posed to  him ;  for  brave  and  beautiful  actions  will 
be  recognized  by  all. 

Electa  secured  every  report  of  the  sayings  and 
doings  of  Jesus,  which,  from  such  authority  as  that 
of  Gains,  she  could  accredit,  and  these  written  man- 
uscripts were  afterward  very  valuable  in  the  compi- 
lation of  the  Gospels. 

Many  of  Electa's  proud  friends  regarded  her 
slightingly,  and  sneered  at  her  "  foolish  superstition." 

Some  even  went  so  far  as  to  declare  that  she  was 
insane,  and  others  discarded  her  from  their  enter- 
tainments, slighted  hei  by  indignities  of  non-recog- 
nition when  they  met  in  public,  and  in  many  ways 
besides  they  evinced  contempt. 

Electa  was  human,  therefore  was  not  impervious 
to  slights ;  her  tender  feelings  were  often  grievously 
hurt  at  the  disaffection  of  those  in  whom  she  had 
reposed  confidence,  and  regarded  as  friends, 


212     ^itre  J^ewcls  ni  iha  ^j^ietti 


Sbe  made  every  advance  that  dignity  would  allow, 
but  finally  ceased  to  endeavor  to  conciliate  those 
whom  she  knew  had  no  real  grounds  for  their  oflfen- 
sive  conduct. 

She  remained  apart  from  them  as  their  conduct 
suggested,  and  in  the  heart  of  her  family  found 
repose. 

She  received  inward  grace  and  instruction,  which 
was  worth  more  than  all  the  assurances  from  those 
friends  who  in  other  days  had  expressed  so  much, 
yet  who,  upon  a  trivial  turn  of  mere  sentiment,  had 
proved  themselves,  though  mighty  in  pomp  and 
power,  hollow  in  heart,  false  in  affection,  and  failing 
in  fiiendship. 

In  these  days  of  her  isolation  from  the  society  of 
the  gay  world,  she  formed  acquaintance  with  some 
of  the  disciples,  and  was  richly  compensated  for  the 
loss  of  some  who  had  professed  the  strongest  inter- 
est in  her,  by  the  pleasant  and  instructive  visits  they 
made  to  her  house. 

The  mother  of  Jesus  was  a  person  of  uncommon 
interest  to  Electa,  and  when  she  was  informed  of 
her  anxiety  and  great  grief,  at  the  perils  to  which 


^he  ^utxg;— Electa.  2 1 3 


her  beloved  son  was  exposed,  Electa,  with  all  the 
woman's  tenderness  and  the  mother's  sympathy 
stirring  in  her  bosom,  indited  a  letter  to  the 
anxious  mother,  in  which  there  was  the  outpouring 
of  genuine  sympathy  and  sincerity,  which  rejoiced 
the  heart  of  Mary. 

Electa  invited  her  to  make  a  visit  to  her  house, 
hoping  thereby  to  be  able  to  minister  somewhat  to 
her  comfort;  but  Mary  was  a  careful  mother,  a 
busy  housekeeper,  in  moderate  circumstances,  and 
had  no  time  to  make  visits. 

Gaius  increased  in  learning  as  well  as  stature, 
and  was  head  of  his  classes  in  the  colleges.  His 
father  designed  him  for  the  law,  but  this  Gaius  be- 
lieved unsuited  to  his  talents. 

His  mother's  heart  dwelt  with  honest  pride  upon 
her  first-born,  and  in  the  twilight  of  evening  might 
often  be  seen  the  two  in  confidential  conference ; 
the  son,  understanding  the  sorrow  of  the  mother  for 
the  troubles  of  Jesus,  strove  to  mitigate  her  grief 
by  pointing  to  the  high  hope  which  might  be  pre- 
sumed Jesus  entertained,  of  being  delivered  from 
his  enemies  and  established  upon   a  throne;   but 


214     ^itte  jewels  txi  the  ®Jiient. 


Electa's  spiritual  vision  extended  beyond  the  mate- 
rial plane,  and  she  realized  that  Christ's  kingdom 
was  not  of  changing,  earthly  character,  but  of  an 
immortal,  eternal  foundation  in  the  future  world. 

Adrian  listened  to  Electa  and  Gains,  who  dis- 
cussed their  faith  in  the  infallibility  of  Jesus,  and 
of  his  being  really  the  Messiah,  as  one  who  is 
anxious  to  believe,  and  who  is  yet  held  back  by 
some  unfortunate  vein  of  constitutional  skepticism, 
and  he  sometimes  ventured  to  remonstrate  with  his 
Electa  upon  the  danger  of  becoming  too  much 
absorbed  in  a  belief  for  which  there  was  no  settled 
basis. 

"  Sweet  wife,"  he  would  say,  "  I  love  you  too  well 
not  to  be  happy  to  see  you  enjoy  whatever  con- 
vinces your  judgment  and  accords  with  your  inten- 
tions, but  possibly  this  man  may  not  be  aught  more 
than  other  men. 

"  For  his  character  I  have  great  esteem ;  but  I 
hear  it  said  that  he  takes  no  great  honor  to  himself, 
and  that  he  openly  declares  he  can,  of  himself,  do 
nothing,  save  what  the  Father  gives  him. 

"Were  he  what  some  infatuated  zealots  describe, 


JlEhe  J^uby;— ^lX5Cta»  2 1 5 


would  he  be  despised,  poor,  and  lowly  as  he  is? 
Would  he  not  assert  his  supremacy  by  triumphing 
over  his  enemies  ?" 

Electa  would,  at  such  points,  lay  her  hand  over 
his  mouth  and  beg  him  to  desist. 

Adrian  listened  to  her  exposition  of  the  theory, 
but  Electa's  prophetic  teaching  was  not  to  be  com- 
prehended by  his  matter-of-fact  mind. 

He  judged  as  men  judge,  and  not  by  the  spirit, 
yet  he  sought  to  know  more ;  and  when  the  news 
of  the  accusation  and  trial  of  Jesus  met  his  ears, 
he  went  to  Jerusalem,  was  present  at  the  trial, 
heard  the  decision,  and  was  one  who  joined  in 
bringing  a  plea  for  the  innocent  man,  against 
whom  no  charge  could  be  laid  other  than  that 
of  healing  the  sick,  bringing  the  dead  to  life, 
restoring  the  sight  of  the  blind,  and  curing  luna- 
tics. 

But  of  no  avail  was  his  plea;  the  decree  went 
forward  into  effect.  Barrabas  was  released  and 
Jesus  was  ojBFered  up  upon  the  cross. 

After  the  terrible  tragedy,  dreading  the  effect  that 
this  sad  news  would  have  upon  his  beloved  wife, 


2i6     ^ii;e  J^ewels  ixi  the  <^rie»t. 


Adrian,  upon  his  return  from  Jerusalem,  was  careful 
to  approach  the  subject  warUy. 

"When  Electa  saw  him  coming,  she  took  hold  of 
the  hand  of  the  household  pet,  their  youngest-born, 
and,  with  the  alacrity  of  a  girl,  ran  down  the  broad 
flight  of  steps  which  led  from  the  terrace,  and  out 
into  the  avenue. 

Adrian  beheld  her,  sprang  from  his  chariot,  went 
forward,  and  in  a  moment  had  her  in  his  arms. 
There  was  a  silent  expression  in  the  nervous  touch 
of  his  hand,  the  peculiar  earnestness  of  his  embrace, 
which  conveyed  to  the  quick  senses  of  the  wife  that 
something  unusual  was  stirring  in  the  soul  of  him 
who  was  her  double  self ;  but  with  her  usual  refine- 
ment of  prudence  she  kept  silence,  only  pressed 
her  face  more  closely  to  his  bosom,  and  once  more 
caressed  his  lips. 

Little  Marcellus,  clamorous  for  his  share  of  atten 
tion,  made  good  excuse  for  Adrian  to  hide  his  emo- 
tion, and  taking  in  his  arms  the  intelligent,  beautiful 
Kttle  fellow,  he  started  forward  with  the  words, 
"  Come,  my  precious,"  to  Electa. 

After  Marcellus  had  lavished  a  score  of  infantile 


J^ihe  JHub\);— Electa.  2 1 7 


endearments  upon  his  father,  a  thought  seemed  to 
control  his  sympathetic  mind ;  he  glanced  at  his 
mother,  then  at  his  father,  and  said :  "  Father,  tell 
my  mother  about  Jesus  of  Nazareth."  Electa's  eyes 
flew  to  Adrian's ;  alas !  she  read  disaster  and  tribu- 
lation for  the  Christ  in  Adrian's  look. 

Unable  to  keep  silence  longer,  she  exclaimed : 
"Tell  me,  Adrian,  what  has  happened.  I  feel,  I 
know,  that  some  calamity  has  overtaken  that  holy 
man." 

Adrian  drew  her  with  his  left  arm  to  his  side, 
glad  to  escape  the  inquisition  of  her  eyes,  and  slowly 
answered,  "  My  wife,  there  has  indeed  happened  to 
the  Nazarene  a  great  tragedy,  an  awful  fate ;  but  as 
you  have  faith  in  his  immortality,  and  in  the  divinity 
of  his  nature,  you  should  not  tremble  when  I  relate 
that  he  is  already,  according  to  your  doctrine,  with 
*  The  Father.'  As  a  soldier  of  his  cross,  you  must 
not  flinch  when  I  tell  you  that  *  The  Son  of  Man' 
was  executed  yesterday  upon  a  cross. 

"  Think  of  him  only  as  your  Lord,  who  is  beyond 

the  need  of  your  tears.     To  his  mother  and  those 

excellent  women  who  must  be  plunged  into  irreme- 

10 


2i8     ^ive  yeixrels  ni  the  ^vix^nU 


diable  grief  turn  your  thoughts,  call  up  y  jut  prac- 
tical talents,  and  let  your  generosity,  free  and  un- 
conditional as  it  always  is,  extend  toward  them ; 
strive  to  comfort  them  by  acts  of  attention,  com- 
mand me,  command  our  means,  give  full  play  to 
your  principles  of  benevolence  in  this  terrible  crisis. 

My  heart  bleeds  for  them,  my  wife,  not  for  him, 
whose  countenance  bore  the  impress  of  peace  and 
power.  Never,  never,  have  I  seen  face  of  man  shine 
as  did  the  face  of  Jesus." 

Electa  was  fainting ;  hastily  putting  the  little  boy 
from  his  arms,  he  took  her  in  his  tender  hold,  went 
to  one  of  the  nearest  fountains,  laid  her  sweet  form 
upon  the  green  grass,  dipped  up  water  and  held  it 
to  her  lips,  calling  her  by  every  endearing  appella- 
tion which  his  aroused  anxieties  suggested. 

These  tender  love  remedies  restored  her.  She 
sat  up,  but  shed  no  tears,  only  repeated  the  words : 
"  Ascended  to  the  Father." 

As  she  gradually  realized  the  sad  fact  of  the  suf- 
fering of  the  beloved  Christ,  she  was  overwhelmed 
with  tears,  which  had  the  effect  of  relieving  her. 

She  seated  herself  in  a  bower,  and  with  her  head 


l^ha  ^uttij— Electa.  2 1 9 


buried  in  Adrian's  bosom,  listened  to  the  whole 
story  which  he  graphically  related. 

When  he  concluded,  she  raised  her  eyes  to 
heaven,  clasped  her  hands,  and  vowed  that  so  long 
as  she  might  live  she  would  never  again  repine,  let 
come  whatever  affliction  there  might. 

I  will  emulate  this  patient  Lord,  who,  though  the 
floodgates  of  trial  were  opened  upon  him,  never 
shrank  from  a  cheerful  performance  of  duty,  never 
gave  vent  to  complaint,  and  was  never  heard  to 
murmur. 

By  the  time  that  Gains,  who  was  in  Eome,  re- 
turned, the  common  wonder  and  interest  of  the  peo- 
ple was  stirred  into  thrilling  inquiry  of  the  proba- 
bility of  the  Divine  nature  of  the  martyr.  The 
forms  which  came  up  from  the  graves  and  walked 
openly  before  the  people,  the  darkness  that  had 
settled  over  the  world,  the  obscurity  of  the  sun,  the 
earthquake,  were  all  supernatural  phenomena,  and 
his  words,  parables,  and  sayings,  became  familiarly 
quoted  by  all  classes. 

No  man  who  had  ever  lived  became  so  famous 
after  death. 


2  20     ^iuc  Jewels  txl  the  ^)rietii 


Electa's  health  suffered  somewhat,  and  about  a 
year  after  this,  her  husband,  who  was  watchful  of 
the  least  varying  shade  in  her  condition,  solicitous 
to  the  most  lover-like  anxietv.  prevailed  on  htr  to 
go  with  him  to  Athens,  where  she  might  secure  the 
best  medical  advice. 

After  Electa  had  selected  many  articles  of  utility, 
and  dispatched  them  to  Mary,  the  mother  of  Jesus, 
who  was  very  poor,  with  a  large  family  to  superin- 
tend, and  many  domestic  cares  besides  the  burden 
of  her  son's  death,  she  and  her  two  youngest  chil- 
dren, their  attendant,  and  Adrian,  went  to  the  re- 
nowned city  of  Athens. 

Electa  recovered  her  bloom  and  usual  elasticity, 
and  sought  the  most  intricate  portions  of  the  town, 
in  search  of  historic  places  and  scenery. 

One  day,  as  she  passed  a  house  on  the  outskirts 
of  the  suburbs,  she  heard  voices  singing  sweet 
hymns  of  a  spiritual  character ;  there  was  some- 
thing so  wondrously  plaintive  in  the  nature  of  the 
strains  that  she  begged  Adrian  to  go  with  her  to 
the  very  spot,  to  ascertain  who  were  the  singers. 
Adrian,  who  refused  her  nothing,  accorded  his  com- 


Plhe  JKluU^— ;^lects.  221 


pliance,  and,  after  \dndiiig  up  several  pairs  of  stairs, 
they  found  themselves  in  a  large  room,  in  which  was 
assembled  a  large  number  of  men  and  women. 

Electa  had  never  seen  any  form  of  worship  be- 
sides the  heathen  worship,  and  that  of  the  Jewish 
tabernacle.  Her  own  heart  knew  its  own  forms,  but 
the  rites,  postures,  and  the  peculiar  usages  of  the 
disciples  she  had  never  witnessed. 

The  song  ended,  here  was  one  man  kneeling  with 
hands  clasped  and  eyes  raised,  while  his  voice 
ascended  in  the  most  earnest  supplication  to  an 
invisible  power;  all  the  rest  of  the  assembly  were 
also  kneeling,  with  their  heads  bent  in  their  open 
palms ;  to  the  risen  Christ  the  appeal  was  made. 
It  was  a  little  band  of  men  persecuted  and  afraid, 
who  had  been  baptized  with  inspiration,  and  were 
en  rapport  with  the  ascended  Jesus ;  a  company  of 
disciples  of  whom  she  had  heard,  but  never  before 
had  met. 

Her  heart  burned  within  her ;  she  stood  contem- 
plating the  scene  until  the  prayer  was  ended  ;  then, 
being  observed  by  the  meeting,  seats  were  offered  to 
Adrian  and  herself,  and  they  also  rested. 


22  2     ;B{iirB  ^Dwels  txi  ih^  ^t[%^nt 


Silas  and  Timotheus  conducted  this  little  meet- 
ing; each  spoke  with  burning  eloquence  of  their 
knowledge  of  the  soul's  immortality;  they  related 
their  experiences  of  seeing  and  conversing  with 
Jesus  after  his  resurrection,  and  cited  the  instance 
of  John's  witnessing  the  transfiguration  on  the 
Mount,  when  the  spirits  of  Moses  and  Elias  had 
manifested  themselves. 

Imagine  the  enthusiasm  of  our  beautiful  Electa 
as  she  drank  in  these  accounts,  which  so  well 
accorded  with  her  own  impressional  experience. 
Adrian  was  there  converted  to  a  full  belief  in  the 
doctrines  of  the  apostles,  and  much  cause  had  Electa 
to  rejoice  that  she  had  followed  the  sound  of  the 
sacred  singing  on  that  ever  weU-remembered  even- 
ing. 

Frequently  after  this  Electa  went  with  Adrian  to 
the  meetings  of  the  disciples,  and  her  ready  zeal 
gave  an  impetus  to  many  who  were  nearly  lost  in 
doubt. 

The  things  that  the  apostles  did  were  of  so  start- 
ling a  nature  that  many  hesitated  between  two  be- 
liefs, some  imputing  their  gifts  to  an  evil  source. 


Jplhi)  ^uttij— Klcct^.  223 


At  Athens,  Electa  took  her  little  boys  to  the 
feasts  of  idolatry,  which  were  celebrated  with  great 
splendor ;  she  wished  them  to  be  informed  on  every 
point,  to  be  able  to  form  opinions  and  to  judge  all 
subjects  for  themselyes. 

Athens  at  that  time  was  almost  wholly  given  to 
idolatry. 

Philosophers  of  the  Epicureans  and  Stoics  had 
great  influence,  and  when  the  moral  teaching  of  the 
disciples,  which  prescribed  temperance  and  moder- 
ation, reached,  through  report,  their  ears,  they  were 
greatly  offended,  and  thought  that  it  was  an  effort 
to  introduce  new  gods ;  and  yet  the  Athenians  were 
a  wonder-loving  people,  were  continually  searching 
for  novelty,  and  when  some  of  them  heard  of  Jesus, 
they  erected  a  sign  which  bore  the  inscription,  "  TO 
THE  UNKNOWN  GOD,"  and  blindly  and  igno- 
rantly  worshipped  this  "  god"  because  of  the  novelty. 
There  were  others  who  were  afraid  of  the  power, 
and  sought  to  confute  the  ablest  advocates  of  Jesus. 

In  this  new  and  exciting  field,  Electa's  fine  mind 
was  exercised  to  study,  and  she  embraced  very 
rapidly  the  most  advanced  thoughts. 


224     'W.ivid  Jr^vs^U  ixi  ihz  ^vizni. 


She  visit«d  all  places,  and  made  good  use  of  the 
opportunity  to  store  the  young  intellects  of  her 
boys  with  information  which,  in  the  future,  would 
be  valuable. 

In  maturer  years  these  boys  realized  the  benefit 
of  having  had  so  intelligent  a  mother  to  control 
their  infantile  minds,  and  secure  them  the  education 
which  her  peculiarly  sound  judgment  had  made 
her  conscious  would  be  profitable  and  advantage- 
ous. 

Upon  Mars'  hill  often  might  be  seen  Adrian  and 
Electa  with  the  little  boys,  Marcellus  and  Alexan- 
der ;  to  these  Adrian  pointed  out  beauties  in  archi- 
tecture, explained  dates,  and  described  epochs  con- 
nected with  each.  Electa's  ingenuity  devised  many 
a  beautiful  scheme  for  their  edification  and  amuse- 
ment. 

It  seems  that  prosperity  had  crowned  all  of 
Electa's  days,  for  no  personal  want  or  calamity 
had  ever  befallen  her  or  her  household. 

Munificence  poured  in  its  countless  comforts  and 
conveniences ;  good  health  had,  with  partiality,  in- 
vested each  of  her  children ;  physical  beauty  was 


Jplhe  ;]^ub^— Electa.  225 


inherited  jointly,  from  both  father  and  mother,  by 
each  son. 

It  was  difficult  to  determine  which  boy  might 
ripen  into  the  greatest  perfection,  so  full  was  each 
one  of  promise. 

Their  princely  home  bloomed  newly,  as  another 
year  added  fuller  foliage  to  the  trees,  more  numer- 
ous blossoms,  and  increase  in  every  fruitful  depart- 
ment; flocks  were  added,  ingenious  devices  which 
had  been  brought  in  vogue  were  applied,  and  refine- 
ment of  art  adapted  through  every  avenue  to  each 
department. 

Nothing  failed  Adrian ;  his  business  capabilities 
extended  to  the  minutest  detail  of  finance,  and 
revenue  seemed  to  flow  naturally  to  his  de- 
mand. 

Through  these  years  of  ceaseless  prosperity, 
Electa  had  been  universally  charitable. 

She  practised  benevolence  and  exercised  charity 
continuously;  was  never  arrogant,  but,  with  sweet 
humility,  occupied  any  place,  however  obscure,  in 
which  her  presence  and  means  might  effect  comfort 
and  blessing.     Tried  by  no  sudden  and  absolute 


226     ^ive  jewels  xxf  the  (^i^ietxt. 


reverse,  the  true  metal  of  her  nature  had  not  as  yet 
been  tested. 

As  a  pampered  child  of  fortune,  we  have  so  far 
known  Electa. 

[t  was  in  the  spring-time,  after  Electa  had  been 
in  Athens  a  year,  when  Adrian  thought  it  best  to 
return  home  and  leave  Gains  to  make  a  tour  of  the 
Nile  with  his  mother. 

Electa's  heart  was  pained  at  the  separation,  and, 
as  she  twined  her  arms  about  her  beloved  Adrian, 
forebodings  of  tragic,  possible  accident  occurred  to 
her.  "  I  feel,  I  realize,  Adrian,"  she  said,  "  that 
terror  and  catastrophe  are  rising  in  our  sky ;  here- 
tofore we  have  had  no  adverse  winds,  now  a  tempest 
is  brewing ;  something  tells  me  so,  and  yet  I  do  not 
know  what  voice  it  is  that  whispers  to  me ;  my 
Adrian,  my  best  beloved,  remember,  let  happen 
what  will,  that  our  hearts  are  one,  our  minds  are 
one."  Adrian  kissed  away  her  tears,  soothed  her 
fears,  and,  by  gentle  persuasion,  prepared  her  for 
the  moment  of  parting. 

"  You,  my  birdie,"  he  said,  "  have  not  yet  learned 
to  flj   without    me.      Silence   your   apprehensions, 


Jphe  J^ubij.— ^j^lecia.  227 


enjoy  jour  trip,  and  return  to  me  with  blooming 
color,  and  in  robust  health.  Nothing  that  I  have 
seen  in  Athens  can  half-way  compare  with  the 
beauty  of  my  Electa's  eyes." 

Theatres  were  the  resort  of  all  who  aspired  to 
high  art,  and  histrionic  representation  was  then  the 
best  school  for  literary  students. 

Philosophers  and  sages  hung  suspended  upon  the 
mimic  utterances  of  the  drama,  and  stored  their 
minds  with  hints  of  modes  for  future  reformation  of 
vice  through  this  powerful  avenue. 

After  Adrian  left.  Electa  went  with  Gaius  to  the 
great  theatre,  to  see  a  performance  which  was  in 
high  vogue.  It  was  there  that  Gaius  for  the  first 
time  beheld  Persis ;  loved  her  upon  first  sight,  and 
to  whom  he  was  afterward  happily  united  in  wedlock. 

It  happened  that  the  two  families  were  at  the 
same  time  tourists,  and  upon  the  banks  of  the  most 
renowned  river  in  the  world,  amidst  the  romance 
and  blush  of  beautiful  scenery,  peace-engendering 
atmospheres,  and  harmonious  circumstances,  youth 
took  on  its  sweetest,  hohest,  strongest,  and  freshest 
attitude,  and  discovered  love. 


228     ^i^ivB  Jewels  ixi  the  C^Jiiettt. 


The  hearts  of  Persis  and  Gaius  were  like  the 
mellow  June  morning,  which  emits  the  odors  that 
the  earth  and  air  and  sun  and  cloud  have  made  the 
most  redolent  in  sweets,  and  which  by  its  own  ardor 
fixes  in  one  great  realization. 

Their  impressible  affections  received  the  touches 
of  the  inspirer,  adapted  every  pleasing,  passing 
strain  to  help  make  full  the  diapason  of  melody,  har- 
mony, and  time.  Their  courtship  moved  on  oiled 
hinges,  for  there  were  no  disapproving  guardians  to 
interfere. 

Persis  was  a  Jewess,  liberal  in  thought,  and  much 
affected  by  the  teaching  of  Paul,  who  had  for  a 
short  time  preached  in  Athens ;  when  the  whole 
city  seeming  bent  upon  idolatry,  he  had,  in  the  very 
teeth  of  danger,  ventured  to  present  Christ's  doc- 
trine. She  was  afterward  converted,  and  fully  en- 
tered into  all  plans  of  Gaius  and  Electa,  for  the 
support  of  the  elders  and  scattered  brethren. 

This  was  a  season  of  especial  pleasure  to  Electa ; 
her  forebodings  wore  off,  she  encouraged  joy,  and 
took  hold  of  amusement  vsdth  all  the  ardor  of  her 
enthusiastic  nature. 


)plb8  ;]^uttg:— ^ieota.  229 


When  the  sunset  gilded  the  landscape,  when  the 
moon  alone  trod  the  sky,  when  their  heavy  vessel 
dipped  deep  and  ploughed  through  the  surge,  she 
was  impressible  either  to  the  sublime  or  apprecia- 
tive of  the  romantic. 

Marcellus  kept  a  cabinet  filled  with  each  days' 
spoils,  and  Alexander  saved  specimens  of  plants  and 
shells,  which  his  mother  took  great  pains  to  arrange. 

"Women  were  regarded  in  high  esteem  in  a  day 
and  age  when  some  of  the  most  powerful  monarchs 
that  ever  sat  upon  a  throne  were  of  that  sex. 

Among  the  Jews  also  women  served  in  the  taber- 
nacle and  were  prophetesses,  whose  oracles  were 
sought  after  and  adopted  by  philosophers  and  sages. 

Woman  was  not  oppressed  and  secondarily  re- 
garded, by  any  means,  but  they  were  responsible 
money-holders,  merchants,  and  preachers. 

Women  spoke  in  public  and  exhorted  in  private 
assemblies.  St.  Paul,  the  celebrated  orator,  like  all 
great  geniuses,  had  peculiarities  of  opinion  ;  woman 
was  to  him  evidently  a  sealed  book ;  he  disap- 
proved of  the  custom  of  the  women  of  the  period  to 
exhort  and  speak,  and  advised  them  against  it. 


230     ^ire  ^Fewels  xif  ihe  ^vUni. 


Some  of  the  Hebrew  women  were  especially 
earnest,  strong,  and  deep  in  character ;  of  clear, 
comprehensive  intellects ;  ardent  and  devout  in 
temperament.  They  were  unlike  the  listless,  supine 
orientals  generally,  and  though  domestic  and  meek, 
being  contented  in  the  sphere  of  home,  they  some- 
times made  a  wider  sphere  or  went  beyond,  as  their 
talents  directed. 

Deborah  had  long  before  prophesied,  been  in- 
spired, and  recited  inspirational  poems  which  were 
full  of  burning  beauty  and  melting  pathos.  She 
also  went  out  and  sat  under  the  shade  of  the  palm- 
trees,  and  fearlessly  judged  Israel. 

Her  name  was  famous  among  men,  reverenced  by 
the  tribes,  and  handed  down  to  posterity  in  connec- 
tion with  some  of  the  most  startling  prose  poems 
that  ever  medium  uttered ;  she  was  full  of  the  in- 
spiration of  genius,  and  was  not  afraid  to  speak  it 
publicly.     She  even  took  part  in  the  battles. 

The  quiet  incidents  of  Electa's  record  were 
written  chiefly  through  the  hearts  of  her  home 
circle.  She  had  governed  her  household  actively 
and  diligently,  and  had  been  well  reported  of  by 


Jplhe  ^uttij— ;^lx5cta.  231 


her  neighbors  and  strangers.  She  had  relieved  the 
afflicted,  and  had  poured  oil  into  many  a  wounded 
spirit ;  had  diligently  followed  every  good  work. 

She  was  a  holy  mother,  a  noble  woman,  who  was 
fit  and  meet  to  be  a  follower  of  Christ.  To  per- 
petuate his  principles  and  practise  his  divine 
example  was  her  desire,  in  which  she  most  happily 
succeeded.  To  her  husband  she  had  been  the 
guiding  star  of  life,  the  beacon  of  his  aspiration, 
and  the  anchor  of  his  hopes. 

"Woman!  blest  partner  of  our  joys  and  woes; 

Even  in  the  darkest  hour  of  earthly  ill, 
Untarnished  yet  thy  fond  affection  glows. 

Throbs  with  each  pulse,  and  beats  with  every  thrill 
When  sorrow  rends  the  heart,  when  feverish  pain 

Wrings  the  hot  drops  of  anguish  from  the  brow,— 
To  soothe  the  soul,  to  cool  the  burning  brain, 

Oh  I  who  so  welcome  and  so  prompt  as  thou  ?" 

This  was  what  Electa  was  to  Adrian.  But 
through  rosy  paths  her  life  had  always  led,  and  no 
great  trial  of  her  virtues  or  sacrifice  of  ease  had 
ever  been   called  for.     The  time  was  near  which 


232     ^iuB  Jr^vc^Xs  ixi  the  i^Jii^ni. 


would  unfold  the  lofty  attributes,  the  unflinching 
bravery  of  our  Electa. 

After  a  most  charming  season  had  lent  its  bland- 
ishments to  heap  up  pleasure  to  our  travellers,  when 
the  spring  and  summer  were  over,  and  Gaius  and 
his  beloved  Persis  had  settled  all  preliminaries,  and 
were  only  waiting  for  a  convenient  day  to  solemnize 
their  nuptials,  a  letter  came  to  Electa  full  of  appre- 
hensions of  a  terrible  persecution  which  threatened 
the  Christians. 

Rumors  had  reached  Adrian  of  the  confiscation 
of  property,  of  fire  and  sword,  and  in  one  or 
two  instances,  of  the  murders  of  several  Chris- 
tians. Electa  knew  Adrian's  habit  of  thought 
too  well  to  suppose  that  any  rumor  of  a  trivial 
character  or  uncertain  foundation  would  be  suffi- 
cient to  induce  him  to  impart  news  which  might 
possibly  alarm  her. 

She  hastily  made  preparation  for  instant  return, 
and,  in  company  with  the  young  bride  and  groom, 
she  reached  home  just  as  the  yellow  began  to 
paint  the  foliage,  and  fruit  was  golden  with  ripe- 
ness. 


Iplbc  ^\x\x^—'M\iioia.  233 


Tender  was  the  meeting  of  husband  and  wife- 
and  of  mother  and  boys,  who  had  been  brought 
from  school  to  meet  her,  but  mixed  with  melan- 
choly aud  mystery,  for  Adrian  was  evidently  con- 
cealing a  secret ;  in  every  tone  of  his  voice  appre- 
hension was  discernible. 

The  lovely  spot  was  lovelier  than  ever;  nothing 
was  neglected ;  beauty  sat  on  everything. 

Marcellus  and  Alexander  were  wild  with  exuber- 
ance of  delight  at  meeting  their  father  and  brothers, 
and  Gaius,  too  happy  in  his  new  relation  of  hus- 
band, went  hither  and  thither  with  his  bride, 
revealing  each  day  some  unobserved  comer  in 
which  a  rare  bird  had  its  nest,  a  fountain  sent  its 
waters  through  mystical  jets,  or  some  attraction  of 
delightful  import  met  the  senses. 

Meanwhile,  a  week  passed,  and  amidst  the  de- 
lights of  reunion,  the  general  bustle  of  getting 
settled.  Electa  had  not  looked  as  deeply  into 
Adrian's  mind,  or  weighed  his  pecuUarity  of  man- 
ner as  she  would  have  done  under  ordinary,  quiet 
circumstances ;  but  at  the  end  of  that  time,  as  she, 
Gaius,  and  Persis  were  occupied  in  some  trivial 
individual  concerns,  a  traveller  arrived. 


234     Kit73  jewels  txi  the  ®  jji^ni. 


To  Gains,  the  appearance  of  John  the  Evangel- 
ist was  indescribably  pleasing.  There  had,  for  a 
long  time,  been  an  intimacy  between  these  two 
young  Christians,  and  John  was  most  tenderly  at- 
tached to  Electa.  He  had  often  been  heard  to  say 
that  every  Christian,  every  female  virtue,  centred  in 
this  chosen  one. 

Sorrowful  was  his  face  on  this  occasion,  when 
Electa,  after  having  kissed  him,  proceeded,  with 
her  own  fair  hands,  according  to  the  custom  among 
Jews  and  Christians,  to  wash  his  feet. 

Alas,  he  had  nothing  but  recitals  of  trial  and 
trouble  and  persecution  to  relate. 

The  Christians  were  pursued,  hunted  out,  and 
beaten  down;  no  one  who  acknowledged  the 
religion  of  the  cross  was  safe  from  the  penalty  of 
the  severest  cruelties. 

He  told  her  of  horrible  scenes,  and  to  Adrian, 
and  Gains,  and  Persis  as  well,  related  the  events 
which  had  lately  transpired  under  his  own  notice. 

He  himself  had  been  subjected  to  the  greatest 
straits;  he  dared  not  follow  his  peculiar  business, 
his  very  tools  were  subject  to  the  most  unreason- 


jPh^  ^nU^—^Xzaie^.  2  3  5 


able  fines,  and  nobody  would  give  their  countenance 
to  a  disciple  for  fear  of  punishment  in  one  form  or 
another. 

Electa's  tears  flowed  abundantly,  her  sympathetic 
heart  burned  within  her,  and  she  longed  to  be  able 
to  manifest  her  devotion  by  practical  work. 

After  John  left  them,  much  comforted  and  re- 
freshed, Electa's  house  became  a  refuge  and  a  hos- 
pital for  the  persecuted,  foot-sore,  weary  Christians ; 
weary  only  in  limb,  not  in  spirit. 

Nothing  could  exceed  the  tenacity  with  which 
they  unflinchingly  clung  to  the  faith  of  Jesus. 
Persis,  with  her  own  fair  hands  made  useful  articles 
of  clothing,  nursed  the  sick,  bound  up  wounds,  and 
performed  menial  offices  for  pilgrim  Christians. 

Everything  that  their  vast  wealth  had  for  years 
been  storing  came  willingly  into  the  hands  of  its 
owners  for  the  use  of  these  afflicted  ones. 

It  began  to  get  unsafe  for  Adrian  or  Gaius  to 
appear  in  public  ;  rumors  had  reached  the  rulers  of 
their  proclivities,  and,  although  their  high  position 
and  vast  wealth  gave  them  wide  privilege,  and  con- 
sequence of  no  mean  extent,  they  were  yet  not  safe 


236     JKive  J^cwcls  ixf  ih^  ^):iiciit. 


from  the  prejudices  under  which  religious  zeal,  the 
most  violent  of  all  incentives,  laid  them. 

Gains  noticed  the  lowering  brow,  the  suppressed 
murmurs,  when  his  presence  at  any  public  meeting 
was  noticed,  and  although  his  loyalty  would  have 
borne  any  test,  yet  his  prudence  pointed  to  him  that 
it  was  best  for  him  not  to  hasten  an}-  catastrophe. 

Electa  realized  inwardly,  through  her  perceptive 
powers,  that  there  was  a  heavy  calamity  impending. 

Active  benevolent  enterprise,  in  behalf  of  positive 
sufferers,  sufficed  to  keep  up  her  spirits ;  for  her 
husband,  her  children,  she  dreaded  the  fate  that 
she  saw  fixed. 

For  herself,  her  faith  was  sufficient  to  convince 
her  of  her  future  immortality ;  she  was  not  glad  to 
leave  the  scene  of  life,  but  of  her  fate,  as  she  said, 
she  was  fully  convinced. 

Flocks  and  herds,  money  and  provender,  were  all 
at  the  disposal  of  refugees  and  mourners.  Much 
suffering  there  was  now,  and  to  her  general  sorrow 
there  came  a  heart-rending,  personal,  family  affiio- 
tion. 

During  twenty-eight  years  of  married   life  they 


Jpllxe  ^l^utx^— ;]^lecta.  237 


had  never  lost  a  child.  At  this  season  their 
intelligent,  promising  second  son,  David,  died,  and 
was  buried  in  the  great  ancestral  tomb  which 
had  for  thirty  years  been  unvisited  by  a  new 
tenant. 

To  all  mothers  who  know  this  heart-rending  grief 
our  Electa  will  be  an  object  of  sympathy.  She 
could  not  be  rebellious  to  the  will  of  God,  but,  as  a 
mother,  the  strings  of  her  heart  were  painfully 
strained. 

Afflictions  came  thick  and  heavy  after  this. 

From  a  disease  of  the  optical  nerve,  Adrian 
became  blind,  first  in  one  eye,  then  in  both.  It  was 
a  piteous  sight  to  behold  this  model  of  manly  beauty 
stricken  down  with  darkness ;  to  know  that  through 
the  rest  of  his  days  no  light  of  sun,  moon,  or  stars 
was  to  gild  his  pathway  :  that  through  his  Electa 
any  avenue  could  alone  be  trod ;  only  through  her 
was  life  to  be  kept  worth  the  having. 

And  Electa  ?  In  the  last  year  her  beautiful  hair 
had  grown  gray,  lines  of  care  began  to  seam  her 
brow  and  crease  her  cheek,  and  the  rich  color  which 
had  been  remarkable  in  her  complexion  was  waning 


23^     'WM^  Jr^mzXs  ixt  the  ®j^imii. 


into  pallor ;  but  with  the  depreciation  of  her  physi- 
cal bloom  there  was  a  more  holy  beauty  shed  over 
her  countenance,  the  perfect  reflection  of  the  spirit- 
ual growth  within. 

Their  revenue  was  still  large,  but  owing  to  the 
enormous  taxation  and  other  unusual  drains,  Gains, 
who  had  now  the  control  of  his  father's  business, 
found  it  necessary  to  retrench  and  economize. 

These  beautiful  grounds  and  fine  mansion  were 
the  common  resort  for  the  afllicted  Christians  scat- 
tered throughout  the  country,  and  Electa's  name 
was  a  talisman  to  many  a  fainting  heart.  St.  John 
hesitated  not  to  claim  her  clemency,  but  made  use 
of  her  Uberality  in  all  cases  of  distress  that  came 
immediately  under  his  notice. 

Adrian  sat  about  the  garden  with  Electa  or  Mar- 
cellus  by  his  side  nearly  the  half  of  every  day.  He 
was  inclined  to  melancholy,  which  added  to  Electa's 
distress.  His  beautiful  resignation  to  the  ajBSiction 
which  had  befallen  him  proved  his  submission  and 
firm  reliance  upon  a  high  Power,  but  his  human 
nature  would  sometimes  lament. 

After  the  family  had  been  returned  from  the  Nile 


]plh$  JSluljy:— ;:^lecta.  239 


for  about  one  year,  Persis  gave  birth  to  a  lovely 
babe,  a  little  girl.  Gains  was  exceedingly  proud  of 
his  little  treasure,  and  more  devoted  than  ever  to 
its  mother. 

When  this  little  bud  was  four  months  old,  Persis 
one  day  took  it  to  a  seat,  near  to  the  farthest 
fountain,  which  was  occupied  by  Adrian.  She 
laid  it  in  his  lap.  Adrian  caressed  its  little  hands 
and  feet,  while  the  hahy  was  delighted  to  twist 
its  little  fingers  in  the  beard  of  Adrian,  which  crept 
like  a  drift  of  snow  and  lay  upon  the  baby's  form. 

While  the  young  mother  knelt  upon  the  sward 
watching  with  indescribable  delight  the  intelligent 
glance  of  her  first-bom's  dark-brown  eyes,  several 
men  approached. 

Persis'  heart  beat.  She  knew  that  something 
unusual  was  astir,  for  these  men  were  officers  in 
the  king's  uniform. 

Hastily  clasping  her  babe  in  her  arms,  her  next 
thought  was  for  Electa,  and  she  flew  back  through 
the  nearest  avenue,  and  found  Electa  busy  with  the 
services  of  the  supper-hour,  for  she  always  superin- 
tended, and  with  her  own  hands  helped  to  arrange. 


240     ^iue  jewels  ixt  the  ^X[izni, 


supper:  "Mother!  mother!"  cried  Persis,  "there 
are  soldiers  in  the  garden  talking  to  father." 

Electa  gave  one  swift,  startled  look  toward  her 
daughter-in-law,  then  calming  herself,  sUently  and 
majestically  awaited  what  she  felt  would  be  a  catas- 
trophe. 

Soon  the  same  men,  whom  Electa's  quick  eyes 
had  perceived  were  armed  with  high  authority, 
came  confidently  up  the  steps  and  forward  into  the 
pavilion,  where  Electa  still  stood  rooted  to  the  spot ; 
but  when  they  came  near  enough  to  perceive  the 
beauty  of  her  countenance,  and  its  expression  of 
strength  and  determination,  they  altered  involun- 
tarily their  manner,  and  stood  at  first  with  bowed 
heads,  respectfully  awaiting  her  speech.  "Where- 
fore, friends,  are  ye  come?"  inquired  she,  calmly. 

Then  one,  stepping  forward,  produced  a  scroll  of 
parchment,  and  from  it  read  the  decree  of  the  king. 
To  this  effect  it  ran,  that  all  who  confessed  the 
doctrine  of  Christ  were  commanded  to  recant,  or  to 
be  punished  with  imprisonment,  trial,  and  perhaps 
death. 

The  foremost    speaker    then    took    from    under 


JplbeJS(utt^ — Jj^lecta.  241 


his  cloak  a  wooden  cross,  and  placing  it  upon  the 
floor,  explained  to  Electa  that,  by  simply  placing 
her  foot  upon  it,  he  would  understand  that  she 
resigned  her  peculiar  faith,  and  that  she  would 
be  secure  from  any  indignity  or  penalty. 

In  an  instant  the  dream  that,  many  years  ago,  as 
related  in  the  opening  of  our  narrative,  had  dis- 
turbed her,  flashed  before  her  mental  vision,  and 
she  realized  its  fulfillment. 

She  stood  unflinchingly  before  the  officer,  who, 
touched  by  her  chaste  beauty  and  evident  superi- 
ority, endeavored  to  persuade  her  to  take  the 
step  which  would  save  them,  for  he  plainly  told 
her  that  each  one  of  her  family  would  alike  have 
to  suffer. 

Of  course,  Electa  refused;  she  meekly  folded 
her  hands ;  then,  in  obedience  to  the  sentence  they 
uttered,  she  let  them  be  manacled. 

Adrian,  Gains,  Persis,  and  the  next  eldest 
boys  were  taken  first  to  Jerusalem,  were  subse- 
quently transported  to  Bome,  and  imprisoned. 

There  was  some  consideration  shown  the  females, 

yet,  for  all  that,  the  sufferings  which  they  endured 

11 


242    ]i{it;e  Jr^vs^Xs  mi  the  (^xiiidni. 


were  intense.  No  friendship,  no  love,  was  sufficient 
to  save  them  from  the  hardship  incidental  to  prison 
life,  and  in  six  months  our  beautiful  women,  as  well 
as  the  stouter  men,  were  invalids,  weak  and  pale, 
shadows  of  their  former  selves,  but  still  buoyant  in 
zeal,  and  resolved,  if  need  be,  to  suffer  martyrdom 
rather  than  renounce  a  religion  in  which  they  be- 
lieved. 

Adrian  and  Electa  sang  hymns  sometimes,  and 
the  stem  jailor  many  a  time  wiped  tears  from  his 
eyes,  as,  when  instead  of  threats  and  complaint,  he 
heard  them  pray  for  their  enemies. 

At  the  expiration  of  one  year  the  Roman  judge 
offered  them  another  opportunity  to  recant.  They 
refused,  which  was  a  sign  of  their  death-warrant. 

Our  sympathies  are  fain  to  close  now,  before  the 
drama  reaches  the  final  act,  tragical  and  horrible  as 
it  was ;  but  our  readers  who  have  gone  with  us  so 
far,  would  not  be  satisfied  unless  we  showed  them 
the  ^ncde ;  and,  painful  as  is  the  task,  we  will  yet, 
for  their  sakes,  paint  the  scene  of  their  end,  in  as 
moderate  colors  as  the  vivid  subject  will  allow. 

The  whole  world  of  air,  heaven,  light,  and  motion. 


I^he  ^ubij— ;]^l«scta.  243 


was  in  its  holiday  garb,  for  it  was  the  season  of  the 
year  when  nature  seems  to  be  decked  on  purpose 
for  some  gala  festival,  when  Electa,  wrapped  in  a 
scarlet  gown,  was  seen  behind  the  jailor,  holding  in 
convulsive  clasp  the  head  of  her  Adrian ;  again  and 
again  she  pressed  his  sightless  eyes  to  her  bosom ; 
then  taking  leave  of  her  Gains,  her  eldest-born,  and 
Persis,  her  fond  and  faithful  daughter-in-law,  and 
successively  of  her  children  and  grandchild,  she 
told  the  jailor  good-bye,  and  thanked  him  for  his 
kindness  to  her  and  hers,  was  then  rudely  led  for- 
ward by  men  of  herculean  forms,  who  fastened  her 
to  the  heels  of  oxen,  which  were  driven  around  the 
public  squares. 

She  was  not  suffered  to  expire  in  this  way,  but 
with  the  extreme  refinement  of  cruelty,  they  restored 
her  exhausted  faculties  by  administering  stimulants, 
and  then,  in  the  face  of  a  large  multitude,  fastened 
her  to  a  cross,  where  she,  with  these  words  on  her 
lips,  "Father,  forgive  them,  they  know  not  what 
they  do,"  expired. 

The  sun  had  not  sent  its  last  rays  of  gold  over  the 
scene  ere  Adrian,  Gaius,  and  all  the  others,  save 


244     ^ii^e  Jr^VisaU  0f  the  ®  jiietti. 


Marcellus  and  Alexander,  were  victims  to  the  same 
barbarism. 

Owing  to  the  tender  ages  of  Marcellus  and  Alex- 
ander they  were  spared,  though  their  patrimony 
was  not  allowed  them. 

They  devoted  themselves  to  the  infant  left  by 
Persis,  and  the  educations  which  they  had  received 
secured  them  means  of  employment  in  schools  of 
juvenile  students ;  afterward  they  were  professors  in 
the  university ;  and,  after  the  furor  subsided,  and 
men  grew  more  tolerant  of  the  Christian  religion, 
they  became  distinguished  as  teachers  and  preach- 
ers ;  but  the  tragedy  of  that  golden  sunset  never  laid 
its  shadow.  It  was  a  memory  which  haunted  them 
tbrongh  all  their  subsequent  lives. 


0ao^n6> 


wm 


